American Booksellers for Free Expression (ABFE) is deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling in favor of the plaintiffs in Mahmoud v. Taylor, singling out LGBTQIA2S+ books for special scrutiny to provide parents with “opt-outs” of their inclusive messaging. An “opt-out” does not just impact the students whose parents choose to exercise it. This decision subjects LGBTQIA2S+-inclusive books to a special scrutiny based on their ideas, stigmatizing LGBTQIA2S+ children and families while letting the religious views of some parents dictate curriculum for all students. This ruling impacts educators, parents, and students, but it does not determine what booksellers can do. Indie bookstores can continue to offer third spaces where tolerance and pluralism are uplifted if they so choose. But that does not erase the stigma that will attach to inclusive books as a result of this ruling, and it does not undo the shame some children will experience when their peers have to leave the room because of characters in whom they see themselves reflected. We stand with teachers, parents, students, and educators as they navigate the uncertain waters in the wake of this ruling. You can read the full ABFE statement on the Mahmoud v. Taylor ruling on BookWeb. |
