Shirley Robinson: Book bans are about winning elections, not protecting children
In the Austin American-Statesman, Shirley Robinson argues that attempts to ban books are not about protecting children.
Your say over your children’s education and access to knowledge is under attack in Texas by politicians and other groups that want to ban books from libraries based on their own subjective opinions. The Texas Library Association believes that parents know what is best for their children and capable of engaging in meaningful discussions with them about critical thinking and the books they are reading.
If you read between the lines, you can see what’s going on. This issue has been concocted to find a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. Those in favor of banning books are less concerned about your children’s journey of knowledge and discovery and more worried about winning political votes.
Your children are not being subjected to objectional material in Texas’ school libraries despite the protestations of those who have their own agenda.
The right to an education is a cornerstone of our country and our democracy. Education helps children read and write, add and subtract, and learn about the world around them. Education helps children become productive adults who contribute to society. Books are critical vehicles for helping people learn to think for ourselves and explore the world around us.
No book is right for everyone, but one book can make a difference in a child’s life. Children, in concert with their parents, should be able to read any books that are appropriate for them — not just books selected by politicians or people outside their family.