N C A C

Kids Right to Read Project

A project of the National Coalition Against Censorship

CO-SPONSORED BY

American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression Association of American Publishers Comic Book Legal Defense Fund

MarleneMoultonJanssen, Director Anoka County Public Libraries 707 County Rd. 10 NE Blaine, MN 55434 Board of Commissioners Anoka County Government Center 2100 3rd Avenue Anoka, MN 55303-5024 September 19, 2013

Dear Ms. Janssen and County Commissioners, We write to protest the recent cancellation of Rainbow Rowells visit to Anoka County Public Libraries and Anoka-Hennepin Public Schools. As we understand it, the county board directed that the invitation be withdrawn after some members of the community objected to profanity in her novel, Eleanor & Park. Depriving the districts students and general public of the opportunity to hear a speaker because a few people object to or disapprove of what she has written violates basic constitutional principles. Under the First Amendment, it is unconstitutional to prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable. Texas v. Johnson (1989). [T]he Constitution exists precisely so that opinions and judgments, including esthetic and moral judgments about art and literature, can be formed, tested, and expressed. What the Constitution says is that these judgments are for the individual to make, not for the Government to decree, even with the mandate or approval of a majority. US v. Playboy Entertainment Group (2000). These principles apply with equal force to school officials: If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion. West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette (1943). Thus, [l]ocal school boards may not remove books from school libraries simply because they dislike the ideas contained in those books Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free School District No. 26 v. Pico, (1982). Public institutions may not remove speakers because they dislike their ideas any more than they can remove books for that reason. Eleanor & Park is a bestselling coming-of-age novel. John Green, another author of best-selling young adult novels, reviewing it in the New York Times called it a beautiful, haunting love story [whose] observational precision and richness make for very special reading. The book, he wrote, reminded me not just what its like to be young and in love with a girl, but also what its like to be young and in love with a book. The fact that some people object to elements of the book

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is not a valid reason for denying others, who do not share their views, from the opportunity to hear from this acclaimed author. Those who disagreed with the decision to include Ms. Rowell were free not to attend, but they have no right to prevent others from doing so. No legitimate rationale can be advanced for disinviting Ms. Rowell, who was asked to speak about her career as a writer, not to read from the book. Making matters worse, the invitation was withdrawn peremptorily, with no opportunity for consultation, discussion, or input from others in the community who disagree with critics of the book or who simply relied on the knowledge and judgment of the teachers and librarians who organized the event. The boards action thus undermines its own professional staff and sends the message that it will engage in censorship to appease a vocal minority, rather than defend the mission and integrity of the public library as a space that respects and supports intellectual freedom. Our society suffers when government officials can silence voices because they deem them to be inappropriate. The public library is a vital resource in a free society: a marketplace for exchanging ideas where people go to encounter a variety of materials, opinions and topics. Removing the opportunity to engage with an author about her work and ideas to avoid controversy is unacceptable. We urge you to reconsider your decision and allow the event to proceed as originally planned. Sincerely,

Joan Bertin Executive Director National Coalition Against Censorship

Chris Finan President American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression

Charles Brownstein Executive Director Comic Book Legal Defense Fund

Judy Platt Director, Free Expression Advocacy Association of American Publishers