Censorship Toolkit: Page 2
CHOOSE A SECTION:
TIPS FOR RESPONDING TO CHALLENGES
SIMPLE SAMPLE LETTER TO SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
(PRINCIPAL, SUPERINTENDENT, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS)
TYPES OF OBJECTIONS AGAINST BOOKS
MODEL COMPLAINT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
2. SAMPLE LETTER
Dear __________,
I am writing to express concern about efforts to remove ___________ from the [Course Name and/or grade level] curriculum at [School Name]. I understand that the book has been challenged because of objections to _______________.
I strongly urge you to keep this book in the curriculum at [School Name] and to uphold the freedom to read for all students in our community. The views of those seeking removal of the book are not shared by all. The challengers have no right to impose their views on others or to demand that the educational program reflect their personal preferences.
[Briefly address the challengers’ objections, and urge the consideration of the book as a whole. (See the “Types of Objections against Books” chapter for ideas.)] If parents do not want their children to read a particular book, then they are free to request an alternative assignment. But they may not infringe on the rights of others to read the book or to tell other parents what their children may read in school.
In addition, removing the book will only teach children to remain silent instead of asking questions for fear of addressing “offensive” or “inappropriate” topics. They will learn that the way to deal with difficult speech is to avoid it, and that fear and ignorance supersede the quest for knowledge. Reading is the safest way for kids to learn about the world in which they are growing up and to help them anticipate real-life problems.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
