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The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) provides a forum for the discussion of activities, programs, and problems in intellectual freedom of libraries and librarians.

The IFRT Members Community group is the central hub for discussion, library and events. It is visible to all ALA members but only IFRT members can participate in the conversation.

  • 1.  Freedom of access

    Posted Sep 03, 2022 07:36 AM
    Crooked Media
    ​Summer Boismier, a high school teacher in Oklahoma, resigned on August 24 after another teacher complained that Boismier gave students QR codes with access to the Brooklyn Public Library, which would allow them to borrow books banned by her district, Norman Public Schools, though she did not ask them to borrow any books in particular. School district officials met with her to discuss the complaint, but expected her to return in the fall. This week, Secretary of Education Ryan Walters (R-OK) wrote a letter to the State Board of Education erroneously claiming that Bosmier was fired and asking them to revoke her teaching license. The president of the Oklahoma Education Association responded to Walters's letter in an official statement, saying: "The OEA is concerned about the action today of a statewide education political appointee demanding the State Board of Education revoke the certificate of a teacher. This is problematic because it is based on an inaccurate interpretation of the facts and state law. It is not only harmful to the target of his comments but also embroils him and others in unneeded controversy." Revocation of a teaching certificate is reserved for extreme offenses including felony convictions, child abuse, inappropriate contact with a student or minor, violating the code of conduct, or violent crimes. Not, if you can believe it, giving kids additional library access for them to use optionally.


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    Michael Gorman
    Chicago, Illinois
    michaelg@mail.fresnostate.edu
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