The American Library Association, the National Council of Teachers of English and People for the American Way have led the campaign for unfettered access to reading material in school classrooms and libraries. They offer these suggestions for educators who face attempts to ban books:
To head off controversy:
- Ask parents to contribute to developing school reading programs.
- Provide recommended, rather than required, reading lists.
- Be prepared to defend your choices by keeping files of supportive professional reviews.
- Negotiate academic freedom clauses in collective bargaining contracts.
- Be open to using a variety of texts to teach a specific theme or concept.
When conflict flares anyway:
- Meet with the complaining parent and attempt to resolve the issue.
- Request a written complaint that details the negative effect the book might have on students and ask the parent to suggest replacement materials.
- Provide a copy of the district's formal curriculum materials review policy.
- While the complaint is being reviewed, keep the material available to other students.
