June 2nd Vote re: School Library Book Review

URGENT ACTION NEEDED: Ask the state school board to approve draft 1 of the model policy regarding school library book review. This draft is in line with the USBE Rule R277-628 and consistent with the Assistant Attorney General guidance.  Submit a written comment to your USBE representative no later than Wednesday, June 29th by 8:00 PM. 

INFORMATION:  In response to recent increased parent group interest in removing books from local school libraries, the Utah State Board of Education recently developed a model policy for how schools can review books in their library. The first draft was drafted by board member and education attorney, Carol Lear in collaboration with education experts at the USBE and the attorney general’s office. However, this draft did not pass the first round of review in the Law & Licensing Committee meeting in May. Board member Cline then proposed an alternate model policy that would severely restrict students’ first amendment rights and use valuable school resources for extensive reviews of materials. This model policy also did not pass the committee. 

Board member Hymas then made a motion to have the full board re-evaluate Draft 1 (Lear) as it protects student’s First Amendment rights, is more supportive for librarians, and is less burdensome for educators. It is also in line with Board of Education rules and consistent with U.S. Constitutional Law as explained by the AAG (Utah Assistant Attorney General). They will be will be holding a special board meeting on June 30 which will focus on the model library policy and allow time for the board to consider and discuss input from board members, the Office of the Attorney General, and constituents.

In addition, USBE published a press release regarding both R277-628 and HB374.

Utah State Board of Education is Enforcing New Sensitive Materials in School Law

USBE letter to Speaker Brad Wilson

Utah State Board of Education to Convene Special Meeting for Model Library Policy

WHY: As parents, we understand that ALL Utah students benefit when they have access to a wide range of genres and topics in both school and public libraries. We want our schools to be places where our children feel safe, supported, and prepared to engage with the world in a way that respects the fundamental worth and interests of each individual. We realize that reading and learning about different experiences at school in a kind and inclusive way increases our childrens’ empathy, as well their capacity to navigate diverse spaces. Ultimately, having access to high-quality literature makes school a safer space for all and allows students to be more unified with their peers.

TO DO: Write an email to the state school board expressing your support for library circulation materials that 

1. build student understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities by reading broadly and widely about benign and controversial topics. 
2. to support librarians and educators as they ensure safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environments that enable every learner to meet high standards. 

Becoming familiar with the definitions listed in the standards and on the Board of Education website will help you write your letter. You can find those at the end of this call to action.

The most effective letters will have the following elements, but please know that a simple, heartfelt email that gets sent is more important than a lengthy one that sits in your drafts:

• A personal introduction. Briefly state who you are and where you are from.
• A clear and direct ask. Indicate that you want the Board to support model policy that is in line with R277-628 and both federal and state laws, including student first amendment rights. Ask the Board of Education to listen to expert educators about the best ways to do so.
• A reason and/or personal story. Why do you think this is important? If appropriate, share relevant personal stories. This includes negative experiences that highlight the need for students to read more broadly about experiences other than their own or positive experiences of how your student has developed understanding and/or empathy for an experience of someone different than them. 
• A gracious closing. Thank the Board of Education for their service and for their consideration of your letter.

We have included an example below to help you craft your own letter. Once you have written something, please consider sharing it on social media and/or in a private email with friends and family in Utah, asking them to do the same. If you have a personal story about how your child has been affected by the presence or absence of these standards, please think about sharing that to help motivate the reader to act.

EXAMPLE LETTER:

Dear Members of the Utah State Board of Education,

I am… [a mother of ** school-aged children in Jordan], [a retired teacher in Davis School District]. 

I am writing to ask you approve draft 1 of the model policy that is in line with both the USBE Rule R277-628 and consistent with the Assistant Attorney General guidance

I believe… [explain why having access to a variety of age-appropriate literature benefits children].

My family has experienced… [if relevant, share a personal story].

I appreciate… [your taking the time to read and consider my family’s experiences], [your consideration of my thoughts on the matter].

Please copy, paste, and share this information with friends and family. Follow the Utah Educational Equity Coalition on Instagram to learn from educators and parents. Below are a few reference points to start you off. We look forward to rallying our collective voices for diversity, equity, and inclusion in Utah schools. 

Thank you!

Relevant Links and Information from USBE:

The proposed rule and definitions:
R277-628

(1) “Library material” means any digital, including audio or visual media, or physical text contained within a school library’s collection.

(2) “School library” means the location, both physical and virtual, where library materials are housed and administered by professional staff hired to oversee the selection, maintenance, and access to [the]school library materials.

Helpful Educational Equity Definitions from R277-328:
(3) “Educational equity” means acknowledging that all students are capable of learning, and distributing resources to provide equal opportunities based upon the needs of each individual student. Equitable resources include funding, programs, policies, initiatives and supports that recognize each student’s unique background and school context to guarantee that all students have access to high-quality education. 

(4)(a) “Inclusion” means the practice of ensuring students feel a sense of  belonging and support; and 

(b) to the maximum extent appropriate, for students with disabilities, providing  access to general curriculum and engagement in regular education classes with peers without disabilities.

The Utah State Board of Education leads by creating equitable conditions for student success: advocating for necessary resources, developing policy, and providing effective oversight and support.

Acknowledging that all students are capable of learning, educational equity is the distribution of resources to provide equal opportunities based upon the needs of each individual student. Equitable resources include funding, programs, policies, initiatives and supports that recognize each student’s unique background and school context to guarantee that all students have access to high-quality education.