Scholastic criticized for excluding diverse books from school fairs.
Scholastic Faces Backlash for Excluding Gender and Raced-Themed ‘Diverse’ Books from Elementary School Fairs
Scholastic, the renowned publisher, is under fire from far-left authors after making the controversial decision to not offer books focusing on LGBT themes and racism at school book fairs. These fairs, which have become a beloved tradition in American schools, provide students with the excitement of discovering both classic and new stories.
However, with the left promoting divisive and confusing literature and ideas to young people, many states have taken action to protect students. For instance, in Florida, elementary schools are not allowed to have literature that imposes sexuality on children or teaches them that America is inherently racist.
Scholastic will no longer separate titles that deal with race, gender, and sexuality from its main offerings after facing accusations of pandering to racists.
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In response to the controversy, Scholastic issued a statement on its website, notifying school districts that they would need to opt into a catalog of books in order to receive shipments of “diverse titles.” The publisher attributed this decision to the existence of state laws that prohibit certain types of books in schools, particularly those related to LGBTQIA+ themes and racism.
Scholastic explained that these laws put them in a difficult position, as their book fairs are held in schools where students can purchase books independently. The company stated that complying with these laws would risk the jobs and legal safety of teachers, librarians, and volunteers.
To address the issue, Scholastic created a collection of books called ”Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice” that school districts could order upon request. This collection includes 64 different books, featuring authors such as Colin Kaepernick and other far-left sex and gender activists.
However, this decision has sparked outrage among authors like Amanda Gorman, who criticized Scholastic for self-censoring books predominantly written by queer, disabled, Black, and brown authors. Gorman argued that this approach does not truly share diverse stories but instead treats them as separate and unequal.
Despite the backlash, Scholastic defended its decision, stating that finding a solution that pleases everyone is challenging. The company emphasized that their book fairs still offer a wide range of diverse titles for all age levels.
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The post Scholastic Draws Heat for Excluding Gender, Raced-Themed ‘Diverse’ Books from Elementary School Fairs appeared first on The Western Journal.
How can the exclusion of these books be seen as a responsible approach that takes into account the different regulations and sensitivities of the educational environment?
N request. These books would include a variety of topics and perspectives, promoting inclusivity without violating state laws. Scholastic emphasized that they remain committed to providing students with a wide range of quality literature and promoting diversity and representation in their offerings.
Despite the rationale provided by Scholastic, many far-left authors and activists have criticized the publisher for what they perceive as an exclusionary and discriminatory practice. They argue that by not including gender and race-themed books at school book fairs, Scholastic is sending a message that such topics are not important or worthy of discussion. They claim that by avoiding these topics, Scholastic is perpetuating ignorance and stifling the voices of marginalized communities.
However, it is important to consider the context in which Scholastic made this decision. State laws exist for a reason, aiming to protect young minds from being exposed to inappropriate or controversial content before they are ready. It is not about censorship, but rather about age-appropriate education and ensuring that children are not subjected to concepts that they may not fully grasp or comprehend.
Furthermore, it is essential to recognize that children’s books should be age-appropriate and reflective of the values and preferences of the communities they serve. Different regions may have different cultural, religious, and societal norms that influence what is considered appropriate for children. Scholastic’s decision to adhere to these laws can be seen as a way to respect the diverse beliefs and values of the communities in which they operate.
While the exclusion of gender and race-themed books from school book fairs may disappoint some, it should not be viewed as an attack on diversity or an attempt to suppress important conversations. Instead, it is a responsible approach that takes into account the different regulations and sensitivities of the educational environment. Scholastic recognizes that there is a time and place for discussing these topics, and it is up to parents, teachers, and educational institutions to provide appropriate resources and platforms for these conversations to take place.
In conclusion, Scholastic’s decision to exclude gender and race-themed books from elementary school fairs is not a malicious act but rather a response to state laws and the need to respect the values and beliefs of different communities. It is essential to consider the context and rationale behind this decision rather than jumping to conclusions and criticizing the publisher without fully understanding the complexities involved. Ultimately, it is crucial to strike a balance between promoting inclusivity and catering to age-appropriate educational experiences for children.
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