In his quest for children’s books suitable for his two young sons, Wes Brown was deliberate in selecting titles that reflected the unique family structure he and his husband had created.
One book that caught his attention was “The Family Book,” a 2003 picture book authored by Todd Parr. This particular book beautifully portrays families of various types, including the traditional nuclear family, as well as families with single parents, step-parents, adoptive families, and same-sex parents like Brown and his husband.
However, in different parts of the country, there has been a growing conservative resistance against books and educational materials that represent diverse families and identities, even when they are intended for the youngest learners.
Parr’s book, designed for preschoolers and early readers, is often targeted and challenged by concerned parents and activists.
Brown emphasized the significance of exposing her children to diverse perspectives. She firmly believed that by doing so, her kids would gain a broader understanding of the world and develop empathy towards others.
In contrast, she viewed the actions of those parents who opposed the inclusion of certain books in school curricula as indicative of a fragile worldview.
Brown argued that if a children’s book had the power to shatter their belief system, then it must be built on shaky foundations.
She contended that exposing children to a range of ideas and experiences is crucial for their intellectual and emotional growth, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the world with open minds and critical thinking skills.
By embracing diversity in literature, Brown believed that children would become more tolerant, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals.
In recent times, the push to ban books from school and public libraries has been gaining momentum, causing concern among advocates for freedom of expression.
Kasey Meehan, the program director of Freedom to Read at PEN America, reveals that a significant portion of these bans are aimed at picture books, with approximately three-quarters of them focusing on LGBTQ+ themes and about half referencing race.
This alarming trend is further exacerbated by the existence of legislation that could potentially result in felony charges and criminalization, as well as the decertification of teachers.
Under such threatening circumstances, educators are increasingly adopting an excessively cautious approach, which is reflected in their decision-making regarding the books they include in their classroom libraries.
The objections raised against these books often revolve around claims that they are not suitable for the intended age group.
One such book that has faced numerous challenges over the years is Parr’s work, which includes a line stating, “Some families have two moms or two dads.” Opponents argue that this statement is inappropriate for young children.
These objections highlight the contentious nature of the debate surrounding the appropriateness of certain themes and content in children’s literature.
The surge in efforts to ban books, particularly those addressing LGBTQ+ themes and race, is a cause for concern. It not only restricts access to diverse perspectives and experiences but also infringes upon the principles of free speech and intellectual freedom.
The potential consequences, such as felony charges and teacher decertification, create a chilling effect on educators, leading them to adopt an overly cautious approach when curating their classroom libraries.
This cautiousness may result in a limited range of books available to students, depriving them of the opportunity to explore different perspectives and develop empathy and understanding.
Furthermore, objections to the age-appropriateness of these books raise important questions about the role of literature in children’s education.
While it is essential to consider the developmental needs and sensitivities of young readers, it is equally important to expose them to a diverse range of ideas and experiences.
By shielding children from certain themes, we risk perpetuating ignorance and reinforcing societal biases. Instead, educators should engage in thoughtful discussions about these topics, fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment.
In conclusion, the increasing efforts to ban books, particularly those addressing LGBTQ+ themes and race, pose a threat to intellectual freedom and the principles of free speech.
The potential consequences of these bans, such as felony charges and teacher decertification, create a climate of fear and caution among educators.
However, it is crucial to strike a balance between age-appropriate content and the need to expose children to diverse perspectives.
By fostering open dialogue and encouraging critical thinking, we can create an inclusive educational environment that promotes empathy, understanding, and intellectual growth.
Educators and advocates for free speech have raised concerns about the controversy surrounding children’s books that address different identities.
These books are seen as crucial in helping young children develop empathy and a sense of self, particularly for those from families with people of color or LGBTQ+ relatives.
The disagreements over these books have even spilled over into classrooms, resulting in resignations and dismissals.
For example, a preschool teacher in Wake County, North Carolina, resigned after facing backlash for using flashcards that depicted LGBTQ+ families.
Similarly, in Alabama, Governor Kay Ivey replaced the state’s early childhood learning director due to the use of a guide for preschool teachers that was criticized for promoting “woke concepts” and discussing inclusion and structural racism.
The book in question is published by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a nonprofit organization that accredits daycares and preschools.
According to their fourth edition of the “Developmentally Appropriate Practice Book,” preschool is a time when children begin to understand how they are represented in society, and the classroom should be a space of affirmation and healing.
The recent removal of an Alabama official serves as a prominent example of how censorship and restrictions on teaching are expanding beyond the K-12 education system and reaching into early learning, according to Leah Austin, the president and CEO of the National Black Child Development Institute.
Research has shown that even children as young as 6 months old can perceive differences based on race. By limiting the content available to them, we are denying these children the opportunity to learn about themselves and to connect with others, Austin argues.
Furthermore, access to books that capture the interest of young children is a crucial factor in developing strong reading skills and addressing disparities in literacy rates, explains Michelle Martin, a professor at the University of Washington specializing in youth and children’s services.
While there has been some progress in diversifying children’s books in recent years, representation still lags behind.
Martin, who grew up in South Carolina during a time of segregation, remembers the limited options available to her as a child, which failed to reflect her own experiences.
She notes that the books being targeted now are the ones that are finally beginning to provide a more accurate representation of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
In the state of Florida, where the Brown family resides, Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, has recently enacted legislation that prohibits any mention of gender identity and sexuality in classrooms across all grade levels, including public pre-K programs.
Proponents of this law argue that it is the responsibility of parents, rather than teachers, to address these topics with their children. For individuals like Mr. Brown, who belong to the gay community, the idea of starting a family has historically seemed like an unattainable goal.
Reflecting on his experiences, he shared that when he and his husband began their relationship back in 2002, it was actually illegal for same-sex couples to adopt children in the state of Florida. “
It felt like a distant dream,” he expressed. “It was akin to saying, ‘I want to fly like Superman,’ something that seemed utterly out of reach.” However, as they reached their thirties, the couple decided to explore adoption as a viable option. Mr. Brown acknowledges that it is inevitable for their two sons, who are currently aged 5 and 7, to encounter questions regarding their two fathers.
He firmly believes that the intention behind these new laws is not to simply discourage discussions about sexuality; rather, their primary objective is to suppress conversations about queer families and the queer experience. Undoubtedly, these laws are specifically aimed at individuals like him and his family.