From Book Bans to Inclusive Education

A conversation with The Thread x Education Policy Program

The banning of books and curricula isn’t new, but today’s challenges are piling up during a pivotal time for American education. The scrutiny facing schools, libraries, textbook publishers, and educators is leading to a chilling effect. Worries abound that robust discussion of culturally rich and relevant content will be driven from today’s classrooms. And yet, beyond the unfounded fears of indoctrination spouted on TV, inclusive education materials are actually in great demand across the country. The majority of parents want their children to be exposed to diverse content, according to recent parent surveys. Research shows, too, how student engagement and academic success are linked to learning materials that represent and recognize people’s complex backgrounds and identities, including those different from one’s own. And, of course, the student populations our teachers need to reach are more diverse than ever.

We invite you to join us in a discussion of how we might shift the national discourse from book bans to inclusive education—and why this is critical for equipping generations of young people to handle the complexities of the future. Hear about promising strategies taken by educators, parents, authors, and publishers. Learn how coalitions across dozens of education groups are harnessing digital technologies. Get inspired by examples of new libraries of openly licensed educational materials and platforms for sharing digital books. 

AGENDA

Introduction and Opening Remarks
Joe Wilkes, Editor, The Thread

How Diverse Books Set Students Up for Success
Maika Moulite, Social Media Manager, New America, Howard University PhD student, and young adult author
Revida Rahman, Parent and Co-Founder of One WillCo, Williamson County, TN
Natasha Tarpley, acclaimed children’s book author and Fellow in the Learning Sciences Exchange
Moderated by Adam Harris, staff writer at The Atlantic and 2021 New America National Fellow

Approaches that Promote Access to Diverse Educational Materials
Rebecca Henderson, Curriculum Services Supervisor at Westmoreland Intermediate Unit, Pittsburgh, PA
Ma’asehyahu Isra-Ul, former social studies teacher; professor of education at the University of Richmond; and host of the Leading By History podcast
Kyle Zimmer, President, CEO, and Co-Founder of First Book, the backbone organization for The Diverse Books for All Coalition
Moderated by Lisa Guernsey, Senior Editor and Strategic Advisor, Education Policy Program, New America

About The Thread: The Thread is New America’s editorial platform and monthly newsletter, connecting people with stories at the intersection of policy, equity, and culture.

Additional Resources:

Inclusive and Open Education - Resources from New America

Natasha Tarpley's Q&A with The Thread

Join the conversation online using #NewAmericaEvents.

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We are dedicated to renewing the promise of America by continuing the quest to realize our nation's highest ideals, honestly confronting the challenges caused by rapid technological and social change, and seizing the opportunities those changes create.

[newtalking]

Like what should we call the removal of To Kill a Mockingbird? Trying to understanding

[turdferguson]

I don't think you understand the definition of banning, your panel is suffering from a lack of literacy. Who is going to jail for selling, trading, exchanging, or reading these "banned books?" Please provide some receipts if you are going to make such an extraordinary claim. Please also explain how a school library/classroom has the space and funds to purchase copies of every single book ever published. By your definition of "ban" you are admitting that if your library or class doesn't have a book, it is banned.

[newtalking]

Do we call taking the white Shakespeare books out a ban ?