Missouri is the first state to cut its ties with the American Library Association (ALA). This is the library system used in public schools across the country. Although considered the oldest and largest library in the world, parents are revolting against the books allowed in public schools that contradict their religious and familial beliefs.
In August, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft announced the cut between Missouri and the ALA. He tweeted why:
Ashcroft noted that he,
cannot continue to support an organization that does not protect the first amendment rights of Missourians and refuses to follow its own governing documents [1].
Shortly after that, ten other states, including Montana and Texas, removed themselves from ties with the ALA.
Governor Abbot from Texas commented,
The ALA works against parents by fighting to keep pornographic materials in public libraries under the guise of opposing ‘censorship [2].
Ashcroft stated that he does not support the ALA as it encourages
libraries to take measures to stifle a faith-based publisher from holding story hours in libraries across the country, including Missouri [3].
You can read his full statement here. As libraries are for the public, a room should be available equally, not based on religious or political preference. Ashcroft does support Missouri libraries.
Notes:
- ^ {{Texas Becomes Latest State to Ditch Library Group, }} (go back ↩)
- ^ {{Texas cutting ties with American Library Association over accusations of group’s ‘Marxist ideology’: Report}} (go back ↩)
- ^{{Ashcroft Admonishes the American Library Association}} (go back ↩)
