AssetID: 53139404
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Scholastic to Separate Book Fair Literature Based on Race, Gender and Sexuality
Caption: Scholastic to Separate Book Fair Literature Based on Race, Gender and Sexuality. The children's book publisher will enact the change for its book fairs so that elementary school districts can decide what they want to include or exclude, 'The Guardian' reports. Even though Scholastic has opposed such changes in the past, districts will now have the option to select specific titles they'd like to showcase. Meanwhile, Scholastic created a separate "Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice" catalog. "There is now enacted or pending legislation in more than 30 US states prohibiting certain kinds of books from being in schools – mostly LGBTQIA+ titles and books that engage with the presence of racism in our country." "Because Scholastic Book Fairs are invited into schools, where books can be purchased by kids on their own, these laws create an almost impossible dilemma: back away from these titles or risk making teachers, librarians and volunteers vulnerable to being fired, sued or prosecuted.", We don’t pretend this solution is perfect – but the other option would be to not offer these books at all – which is not something we’d consider, Scholastic, via statement. Scholastic has also joined PEN America in signing an open letter denouncing book bans. However, PEN America disagrees with Scholastic's decision to create the separate catalog. "Sequestering books on these topics risks depriving students and families of books that speak to them." "It will deny the opportunity for all students to encounter diverse stories that increase empathy, understanding, and reflect the range of human experiences and identities which are essential underpinnings of a pluralistic, democratic society.", PEN America, via statement. Scholastic hosts approximately 120,000 book fairs each year, 'The Guardian' reports. THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Scholastic,Separate,Book Fair,Literaute,Based,Race,Gender,Sexuality,School,Districts,Elementary,Politics,Children,Book Publisher,Titles,Showcase,PEN America
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