Trouble in Censorville: The Far Right’s Assault on Public Education and the Teachers Who Are Fighting Back

Individual firsthand accounts of librarians and teachers who battled censorship. This book describes how 14 teachers and librarians found themselves running afoul of the radical right wing. Many encountered a lack of support from administrators and other teachers and felt isolated because of the challenges. Careers and friendships were changed, and the stress often manifested itself in physical and mental health issues. Few were able to stay in jobs that they previously loved. Reading the heart-wrenching stories of what librarians and teachers are going through, and how their characters and careers are being assaulted, will spark indignation. The contributors discuss going against people who conflate the availability of accurate information and a variety of voices with criminal intent, and who are offended by anything other than their own viewpoint, insisting that no one have access to books that include anything else. The final chapter is a “Call to Action,” in which the editors share what readers can do to resist attacks on public education and specific tips for various groups, including teachers, administrators, students, and parents. The editors also provide a time line of the attack on public education to give context to current events.