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Laramie County must choose freedom over censorship.

Antonio Serrano

Antonio Serrano

Advocacy Director

he/him/his

Antonio Serrano

Antonio Serrano

Director de Abogacía

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July 3, 2023
Changes to the “opt-in” policy aren't necessary. Parents can already work with their school to decide how their kids access information.

“I know it when I see it.” That’s often the answer when people are asked about what’s or obscene or otherwise objectionable. 

The problem, however, is that everyone sees things differently. And that’s the trouble with changing the Laramie County School District 1’s Board of Trustees current policy. The board is looking to define what books are considered “sexually explicit” in the district’s school libraries which could create a list of materials that parents or guardians would have to “opt-in” to let their children read or check out.

TELL THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO OPPOSE CHANGES TO THE CURRENT POLICY

But who gets to decide what books are added to this list? 

To be sure, no one is going to agree on the merits of every book. Some books will make you uncomfortable. Some books will make you angry. There might be books you think children shouldn't read. There might be books you hope no one will read. But freedom of expression for ourselves requires freedom of expression for others. It is at the very heart of our democracy.

If parents don't like a particular book, they can already provide that information to the school and prohibit their own kids from accessing those materials. Changing the library's current policy is not necessary.

Will you send a message to the board asking them to object changes to the current policy and to choose freedom over censorship?

Act fast: Send your message now!

Thank you for supporting freedom over censorship and asking the Laramie County School District 1 Board of Trustees to reject changes to the current library policy on books.

“I know it when I see it.” That’s often the answer when people are asked about what’s or obscene or otherwise objectionable. 

The problem, however, is that everyone sees things differently. And that’s the trouble with changing the Laramie County School District 1’s Board of Trustees current policy. The board is looking to define what books are considered “sexually explicit” in the district’s school libraries which could create a list of materials that parents or guardians would have to “opt-in” to let their children read or check out.

TELL THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO OPPOSE CHANGES TO THE CURRENT POLICY

But who gets to decide what books are added to this list? 

To be sure, no one is going to agree on the merits of every book. Some books will make you uncomfortable. Some books will make you angry. There might be books you think children shouldn't read. There might be books you hope no one will read. But freedom of expression for ourselves requires freedom of expression for others. It is at the very heart of our democracy.

If parents don't like a particular book, they can already provide that information to the school and prohibit their own kids from accessing those materials. Changing the library's current policy is not necessary.

Will you send a message to the board asking them to object changes to the current policy and to choose freedom over censorship?

Act fast: Send your message now!

Thank you for supporting freedom over censorship and asking the Laramie County School District 1 Board of Trustees to reject changes to the current library policy on books.

Resources to stop censorship

Connect with the Board of Trustees

It's important to know your locally elected officials.

Not sure who is on the Laramie County School District 1 Board of Trustees? Get to know them! It's important to establish a relationship with your local electeds. 

Laramie County School District 1 Board of Trustees:

Meet the Board of Trustees
board of trustees wy laramie county

Talking points

Keep it simple! Get your message across in a few quick words. 

Sample script, please copy and customize! 

Dear Board of Trustees,

My name is [your name], thank you for reading my message.

Please, object the proposed "opt-in" library policy. I understand that not everyone is going to agree on the merits of every book. There might be books you think children shouldn't read. There might be books you hope no one will read. But one thing is certain: Each of us gets to choose what books we read and what information we access. We don't get to choose for other people. Doing so is un-American and unconstitutional.

If parents don’t like a particular book in the school’s library, they can already provide that information to the school and prohibit their own kids from accessing those materials. This new “opt-in” policy is not necessary.

Students have First Amendment rights, which includes the right to access and use the resources of the school library free from any censorship that arises from disapproval of a book’s content or views.

Please choose freedom over censorship. Please oppose the proposed “opt-in” library policy. 

Send your message now
Laramie county board of trustees image 1

Attend a board meeting

Showing up in person to voice your concerns has a huge impact. Know when and where to show up.

The next Board meeting will be held Monday, August 21, 2023, at 6 p.m.

Meetings of the Board of Trustees are held on the first and third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Boardroom of Storey Gym located at 2811 House Ave., Cheyenne, Wyoming. Work Sessions begin at 5 p.m. on the first Monday of the month.

For more information, contact Darlene Davis, [email protected]

Attend a meeting
Laramie County School District 1 building

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