Steps to take when faced with a book challenge

Many of us know what censorship is in its most basic form. But when it comes to understanding how to combat it, people are dumbfounded. It seems as though there is no way to battle the censorship advocates and people feel helpless. But there are things teachers can do to fight against book banning.

Adapted from "Books Under Fire"

The ALA, NCTE, and PFAW have compiled a list of things to do when faced with book censorship:

-- ask parents to contribute to developing school reading programs
-- provide recommended, rather than required, reading lists
-- be prepared to defend your choices by keeping files of supportive professional reviews
-- use collective bargaining contracts to negotiate freedom clauses
-- use a variety of texts to teach a concept or theme
-- meet with the complaining parent to try to resolve the conflict
-- request a written complaint that details the negative effect the book might have on students and ask parents to suggest replacement materials
-- provide a copy of the district's formal curriculum materials review policy
-- even when the complaint is being reviewed, keep the material available to other students

some of these ideas may sound risky, such as the last one. But these ideas should not be used to make teachers subservient to the review system. Rather, teachers should be able to combat censorship by hitting it straight in the face, while also going on with their teaching lives.

Source: "Books Under Fire", Kathie Durbin, 2005