SRRT (Social Responsibilities Round Table)

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The Social Responsibilities Round Table works to make ALA more democratic and to establish progressive priorities not only for the Association, but also for the entire profession. Concern for human and economic rights was an important element in the founding of SRRT and remains an urgent concern today. SRRT believes that libraries and librarians must recognize and help solve social problems and inequities in order to carry out their mandate to work for the common good and bolster democracy.

Learn more about SRRT on the ALA website.

  • 1.  Freedom of access

    Posted Sep 03, 2022 07:37 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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  • 2.  RE: Freedom of access

    Posted Sep 03, 2022 03:34 PM

    Thank, Michael. This is really disheartening. And I'm pretty sure based on what's happening in my state that there are plenty of people who are equating her actions to "child abuse." The "librarians as groomers" movement seems to be finding their footing unfortunately.

     

     

    April

     




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