The Southern Poverty Law Center released its annual “Year in Hate and Extremism” report, documenting 1430 extremist and anti-government groups, including 6 chapters of the Moms for Liberty in New Jersey, which claims it wants to monitor which books are in school libraries and oppose “hypersexualized content” in public education. Sounds like they’re protecting children, but they have a narrow view of the world.
That organization has been on the forefront of opposing anything that promotes a positive view of LBGTQ+ persons. School Board meetings have turned into shouting matches and librarians have received personal online attacks for their stand against narrow views of what is acceptable for us to read.
Fortunately, the New Jersey Assembly Education Committee voted 7-1 to advance the “Freedom to Read” bill, taking aim at people who want to narrow our view of humanity. In addition to setting standards, it also has a provision to protect librarians against the harassment of hate groups. It’s nice to know we’re on the right side of something.
Prayer for the Day
Rising in the morning from the night that has passed,
We consider the possibilities that you offer us, O God;
Embracing this late spring day that is before us,
We search for your guidance in this time.
Open us to a broadening vision of your word,
Bringing us to a better understanding of your will
In the name of the One who shows us how to live,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The most banned book is 1984 by George Orwell. How Orwellian!
Internet post
Censorship is the child of fear and the father or ignorance.
Laurie Halsey Anderson, writer from Speak
You who have done great things, O God, who is like you?
You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again;
From the depths of the earth you will bring me up again.
You will increase my honor and comfort me again.
Psalm 71: 19-21