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Friend – Having people's rights and freedoms restricted and attacked in this country is sadly not a new development. But, there's something particularly insidious about the latest wave of attacks on our rights – because it is targeting our students and young people. In state after state, lawmakers and elected officials are introducing classroom censorship laws in droves. And it's clear the goal is to gain political points in a crucial midterm election year – no matter the cost for students trying to learn. While politicians worry about their own power, the legacy of race and sex discrimination and lived experiences of Black and Brown people, women and girls, and LGBTQ+ individuals are all being systematically erased in curriculums – and teachers and instructors are being punished for simply discussing these truths. And the attacks on young people don't stop in our classrooms either. While the right to learn is under urgent threat, legislatures across the nation are also targeting trans kids and their families – denying them the gender-affirming health care they need. At the ACLU, we believe it's on those of us who care about protecting young people's rights to work as hard it takes, for as long as it takes, to stop these unconstitutional attacks and give our children the chance for a brighter, more equal future.
This year, state legislatures have introduced over 100 classroom censorship bills aimed at restricting discussions about systemic racism and sexism in schools. And in schools and libraries across the country, more than 300 books by predominantly Black authors discussing race, gender, and sexuality were banned. It's an attack on the right to learn and to read freely, and the lawmakers advancing these actions have made it clear they have no intention of relenting in their unconstitutional tactics. Today, you can make it clear: They are in for the fight of their lives. With our on-the-ground presence in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, the ACLU is fighting back against these ruthless attacks through lawsuits and fierce advocacy. In fact, we just filed a lawsuit against Florida's egregious Stop Wrongs Against Our Kids and Employees ("Stop W.O.K.E.") Act which prohibits teaching students, from kindergarten to graduate school, about systemic racism and sexism. And you can help fuel this urgent, critical work by joining the ACLU. Please, become an ACLU member to combat the rise of censorship in the classroom and respond to attacks on civil liberties all across the nation. By joining today, your gift will be matched – doubling your personal impact in this crucial moment. Opponents of progress believe they can maintain their power if they can control our students, our classrooms, and our bodies. Don't let that happen. Join with the ACLU today and fight for our civil liberties and for our future. For our young people, Leah Watson P.S. Remember, if you join the ACLU before our deadline of August 31, your gift will be matched. |
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