On Nov. 29, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed into law the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142). This law mandated that all students, regardless of abilities, were to be educated in public school alongside peers.
At that time, school librarians worked very hard to find books that included students of different abilities. This allowed all students to feel seen, heard and represented.
This policy, which supported differently abled students, was seen as a wonderful addition to the public school. Books were placed in libraries and classrooms for all to read. This allowed our society to fully accept persons of different abilities.
No one was concerned that these books would “indoctrinate” students. No one was concerned that non-disabled students would “feel uncomfortable” so why not provide the same benefit to students who identify as gay or transgender? They, too, need to be seen, heard and represented in our classrooms and libraries.
Banning books that show the wide spectrum of the human condition is not only unacceptable but dangerous. Books allow us to understand and empathize with people who are different from ourselves. How else can we expect to teach tolerance and acceptance?
One only needs to open a newspaper or turn on the TV to see how ignorance towards the “other” results in hatred and violence.
Public schools have a responsibility to all who enter. When students feel safe and represented, they can learn more effectively and grow into productive members of our society - members of a complete society - that recognizes that everyone is equal and valued.
I urge our local Boards of Education to pledge to fight the voices of prejudice and ensure our curriculum and libraries depict the reality of all our students.
Norma Brand
Wantage