In a wild role reversal, a group called Annie’s Foundation is now working to ban a certain book. This after the group has been critical of so-called “book bans” that actually just require books in schools to be age-appropriate.
Annie’s Voice for Change, which is a non-profit affiliate of Annie’s Foundation, is upset that a book called “Johnny the Walrus” is included in the curriculum offered by a certain company.
“The inclusion of this particular book is mystifying,” Annie’s Voice for Change wrote. “The author is not well-known for children’s literature, is not an expert in education or childhood development and is certainly not a respected authority figure on LGBTQ issues…This book is straight-up bigoted propaganda, designed to alienate and ostracize trans and non-binary children.”
The group encourages people to “demand” the book be removed from the curriculum immediately.
Annie’s Foundation, though, has a mission to “read banned books.” They believe in the “freedom to read.” The group has a “pledge” it asks candidates for office to sign.
Part of the pledge says:
“I pledge to protect and promote the freedom to read, recognizing that banning books or limiting access to information is contrary to the values upon which our nation was founded. I understand that public servants have a duty to respect the rights of all citizens to explore ideas and engage in open discourse without censorship.”
The pledge also says “censorship undermines the free exchange of ideas and inhibits personal growth; thus I will oppose attempts to ban or restrict the public’s access to books, publications or other forms of media based on their content or ideas.”
It sure seems that “demanding” the book “Johnny the Walrus” be removed from curriculum could be construed as calling for a book ban, which by Annie’s Foundation’s own pledge would “undermine the free exchange of ideas and inhibit personal growth.”
If you’re curious, here is a read-along to “Johnny the Walrus:”
By contrast, the group Annie’s Foundation has been vocal against efforts to restrict books like “Flamer.”
Other books that Annie’s Foundation has defended include:
SHOCKING: Images from book ‘Gender Queer,’ which is stocked in school libraries across Iowa
OFF THE SHELF: Perverted ‘Let’s Talk About It’ out of Waukee Northwest High School library
Annie’s Voice for Change post regarding their “demand” for the book to be removed from curriculum.
[…] late last month. Annie’s Voice for Change called for people to demand Matt Walsh’s book “Johnny the Walrus” be removed from curriculum. Call it banned. Call it […]