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Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
ACLU seeks injunction to block book bans in military schools
The Pentagon in Arlington. (Photo) The American Civil Liberties Union on Thursday asked a federal judge in Virginia to immediately halt what it calls a sweeping campaign of classroom censorship in military-run schools — including at Crossroads Elementary in Quantico — stemming from executive orders issued by former President Donald J. Trump earlier this year. The motion for preliminary injunction, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, follows a lawsuit brought last month on behalf of 12 students enrolled in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools. The students, from pre-K to 11th grade, are children of active-duty service members stationed in Virginia, Kentucky, Italy and Japan. The ACLU's new filing alleges that books and curriculum touching on race, gender and civil rights have been systematically scrubbed under the guise of enforcing executive orders 14168, 14185 and 14190, which instruct federal agencies to purge references to 'gender ideology,' 'divisive concepts' and diversity programming. In Virginia, that has included removing materials from the library at Crossroads Elementary School in Quantico and canceling student events. 'The Trump administration cannot violate the First Amendment by removing books and curricula it doesn't like,' said Matt Callahan, senior supervising attorney at the ACLU of Virginia. 'Students have a right to see themselves reflected in their libraries and classrooms, and they also have a right to learn from the perspectives of people who aren't like them. That's no less true for military families than for anyone else.' Among the 233 books listed as removed or 'quarantined' in the latest motion are 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, 'Looking for Alaska' by John Green and 'Can't Stop Won't Stop: A Hip-Hop History' by Jeff Chang. The plaintiffs say the materials most frequently targeted are by or about women, people of color and LGBTQ individuals. Jessica Henninger, a Virginia-based military parent and one of the lead plaintiffs, said her family had remained silent for months out of fear. But after watching DoDEA schools cancel Juneteenth and Holocaust Remembrance Day events and take down posters of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistan education activist shot by the Taliban and winner of the Nobel Peace Price age 17, and Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, she decided speaking out was no longer optional. 'We make sacrifices as a military family so that my husband can defend the Constitution and the rights and freedoms of all Americans,' Henninger said. 'If our own rights and the rights of our children are at risk, we have a responsibility to speak out.' In court filings, the ACLU argues that the censorship campaign has disrupted students' academic progress — particularly those preparing for Advanced Placement exams — and created a chilling effect in classrooms. Some students now hesitate to ask questions about race or gender, worried that even inquiry could trigger administrative pushback. 'These are American students in American schools, and they have the same First Amendment rights as their peers,' said Emerson Sykes, senior staff attorney with the ACLU's Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project. 'Families in DoDEA schools have the right to access books about race and gender and the right to learn about the vibrantly diverse world around them.' Virginia plays a central role in the case. Not only are some of the plaintiffs based in the state, but the case is being heard in the Eastern District of Virginia — a jurisdiction with a history of high-profile First Amendment rulings. Attorneys believe the court could set a national precedent on how far federal agencies, including the military, can go in shaping the content of public education. While DoDEA officials have said the policy is about 'safeguarding children,' critics say it's political overreach, forcing public servants' children to bear the brunt of ideological battles. The ACLU says the orders violate the Supreme Court's 1982 decision in Island Trees School District v. Pico, which barred school officials from removing library books simply because they dislike the ideas within. 'This kind of political meddling is antithetical to the First Amendment,' said Corey Shapiro, legal director of the ACLU of Kentucky. 'And in DoDEA schools, which are some of the most diverse and high-performing schools in the nation, the impact is magnified.' If successful, the injunction could compel DoDEA to immediately restore books and classroom materials removed this year — including at Virginia installations — and affirm the rights of military families who, attorneys say, have been sidelined in a fight over what their children are allowed to read and learn. 'Our children are not political pawns,' Henninger said. 'They deserve to learn the truth — and we intend to make sure they can.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Express Tribune
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Charlie Plummer in talks for Haymitch Abernathy role in Sunrise on the Reaping
With Suzanne Collins' new prequel Sunrise on the Reaping expanding The Hunger Games universe, fans are buzzing over who will bring young Haymitch Abernathy to life on screen. According to Film Updates, actor Charlie Plummer is currently in talks to play the iconic character in the upcoming film adaptation. The prequel focuses on the 50th Hunger Games, following District 12's Haymitch as a teenage tribute and eventual victor. The story offers deeper insight into the trauma that shaped him into the cynical mentor fans first met in the original trilogy. Woody Harrelson played the older Haymitch in the original films. Fans have responded positively to the rumored casting, noting Plummer's age (25) and his physical resemblance to Harrelson. Plummer is best known for roles in Looking for Alaska, Moonfall, and the upcoming thriller The Long Walk. Additional casting rumors have also surfaced. Kieran Culkin is reportedly in talks to play Caesar Flickerman, while Emma Thompson is being considered for Drusilla Sickle, District 12's Capitol escort. Elle Fanning has reportedly been offered the role of a young Effie Trinket, and Ralph Fiennes may take on the role of an older President Snow. Production for Sunrise on the Reaping is scheduled to begin in July 2025, with Lionsgate yet to confirm the cast officially. As fans eagerly await confirmation, the prequel's casting news continues to fuel excitement for the next chapter in the Hunger Games saga.
CBC
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
The 10 most-challenged books in U.S. libraries have faced complaints in Canada, too
It's always nice to see some old favourites make it onto a new list, right? Toni Morrison's 1970 classic The Bluest Eye, Stephen Chbosky's 1999 YA The Perks of Being a Wallflower and John Green's 2005 book Looking for Alaska have once again been named among the most challenged library books in the U.S. in 2024. The American Library Association (ALA) released its annual list of most-challenged books on Monday, which includes new data that reveals the majority of censorship attempts in school and public libraries in the U.S. come from organized movements rather than parents. Nearly three-quarters, or 72 per cent, of demands to censor books in school and public libraries came from "well-funded," "organized" advocacy groups and government entities that include elected officials, board members and administrators, notes the ALA's report. These are groups that have "long been dedicated to curbing access to information and ideas," the ALA adds. Only 16 per cent of demands to censor books came from individual parents. "The movement to ban books is not a movement of parents, but a movement of partisans who seek to limit our freedom to read and make different choices about things that matter," said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of ALA's office for intellectual freedom, in a news release. Many of the challenges, for instance, can be traced to the conservative activist group "Moms for Liberty," and websites like RatedBooks, Caldwell-Stone told The Associated Press. The 10 most-challenged books of 2024 Last year, 2,452 unique titles were challenged, noted the ALA. That's the third-highest number ever documented by the group, which also explained that the numbers are likely even higher due to under-reporting, censorship by exclusions, and legislative restrictions. Many of the most-challenged books of the last year included 2SLGBTQ+ characters or themes, the ALA noted. They also covered topics of race, racism, equity and social justice. All Boys Aren't Blue, by George M. Johnson (2020) — A young adult (YA) memoir/manifesto about the trials and triumphs of Black queer boys. Gender Queer, by Maia Kobabe (2019) — A graphic novel memoir about coming out as non-binary and asexual. (Tie) The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison (1970) — An adult fiction about an 11-year-old Black girl who prays for her eyes to turn blue. (Tied with the above) The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky (1999) — A coming-of-age novel about an introverted high school freshman. Tricks, by Ellen Hopkins (2009) — A YA verse novel about five troubled teens. (Tie) Looking for Alaska, by John Green (2005) — A YA book about a high-school junior searching for answers about life and death after a fatal car crash. (Tied with the above) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, by Jesse Andrews (2012) — A YA fiction about a teen forced to rekindle a childhood friendship with a girl dying of cancer. (Tie) Crank, by Ellen Hopkins (2004) — A YA fiction about the turbulent relationship between a teen girl and crystal meth. (Tied with the above) Sold, by Patricia McCormick (2006) — A YA fiction about a teen from Nepal sold into sexual slavery in India. Flamer, by Mike Curato (2020) — A graphic novel about a boy's journey to self-discovery and acceptance. Book challenges on the rise in Canada Experts have noted that book bans are also on an upswing here in Canada. CBC reported last year that, according to Canadian librarians, recent challenges primarily involve opposition to books that deal with sexuality, 2SLGBTQ+ themes or gender diversity. At the same time, sales of 2SLGBTQ+ fiction in Canada increased 34 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to new data released by the industry analysts at BookNet Canada. Library loans of 2SLGBTQ+ titles also increased during this time. The Canadian Library Challenges Database, an initiative by Toronto Metropolitan University's Centre for Free Expression, lists 119 titles that were challenged in 2024 and another 30 so far in 2025. (The numbers could be higher, but the database is limited by self-reporting.) The majority of the complaints were for books that were considered "age inappropriate," contained "explicit content" or were "pro-LGBTQIA2S+." In a recent blog post, the Centre for Free Expression explained that in 2024, most complaints were filed by members of the public, most of the challenges happened in Ontario, the top rationale was "age inappropriate," the top requested action was to remove the book and the top action taken by the library, "after careful review of the item, is to retain the item." According to the database, All Boys Aren't Blue was challenged in 2022 and 2023, both times in B.C. Gender Queer was challenged six times between 2021 and 2023 in several provinces. The Bluest Eye was challenged once in 2023 at a public library in Creston, B.C. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl was challenged in 2023 and Crank was challenged in 2006. Some of the books challenged so far this year include The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Sold and Looking for Alaska, as well as some Canadian content like Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale (for "violence") and Fall on Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald, for being "anti-Christian." WATCH | Author Louise Penny cancel U.S. book tour: Louise Penny says attacks on Canadian sovereignty are 'beyond disconcerting' 9 days ago Duration 7:24 Chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton speaks with Canadian author Louise Penny about cancelling the U.S. dates on her book tour and supporting the Haskell Free Library and Opera House on the Canada-U.S. border.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
John Green to speak at Alys Stephens Center in June
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Author John Green will be visiting UAB's Alys Stephens Center in June to discuss his recent book, 'Everything is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection.' This event is presented by the Alys Stephens Center and Thank You Books. Green is the award-winning author of several books, including 'Looking for Alaska,' 'The Fault in Our Stars,' 'Turtles All the Way Down' and 'The Anthropocene Reviewed.' He's also known for his online content, including the 'vlogbrothers' YouTube Channel and the educational series 'Crash Course.' 'Everything is Tuberculosis' was released on March 18, 2025. 'In 2019, John Green met Henry, a young tuberculosis patient at Lakka Government Hospital in Sierra Leone while traveling with Partners in Health,' the book's synopsis states. 'John became fast friends with Henry, a boy with spindly legs and a big, goofy smile. In the years since that first visit to Lakka, Green has become a vocal and dynamic advocate for increased access to treatment and wider awareness of the healthcare inequities that allow this curable, treatable infectious disease to also be the deadliest, killing 1.5 million people every year.' The book follows Henry's journey with tuberculosis, intertwining it with the scientific and social histories of the disease. WATCH: Video shows Alireza Doroudi being detained by ICE officers at his apartment near the University of Alabama Green, alongside Dr. David Kimberlin of Children's of Alabama, will discuss the content of the book and answer audience questions. Pre-signed copies of 'Everything is Tuberculosis' are included with ticket purchases. Kimberlin is the Vice Chair for Clinical and Translational Research and Co-Director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UAB. He has also served as the AAP Red Book liaison to the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices since 2007. This event is taking place on Thursday, June 12, at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on the Alys Stephens Center's website. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated to Children's of Alabama. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
John Green's 'Everything is Tuberculosis' is out now: Get to know all his books
John Green's 'Everything is Tuberculosis' is out now: Get to know all his books Many of John Green's novels offer a snapshot of young adult reading culture in the 2010s – star-crossed teenage lovers and 'manic pixie dream girl' characters, Tumblr quotes and metaphors stamped on stickers and T-shirts. The success of 'The Fault in Our Stars' and 'Paper Towns' sparked a kind of subgenre in the young adult market The New York Times dubbed 'GreenLit,' or 'realistic stories told by a funny, self-aware teenage narrator.' Green is also well known for his YouTube channels with his brother Hank Green, 'Vlogbrothers' and the educational 'Crash Course.' Now, his latest novel 'Everything is Tuberculosis' dives into how tuberculosis has shaped our world. Here's a look back on all of his titles. All John Green books in order Green has written eight books, including his bestsellers 'Looking for Alaska' and 'The Fault in Our Stars.' Many of his books are young adult romances, but he's written two nonfiction books – his essay collection 'The Anthropocene Reviewed' and his latest public-health-focused 'Everything is Tuberculosis.' 'Looking for Alaska' (2005) 'An Abundance of Katherines' (2006) 'Paper Towns' (2008) 'Will Grayson, Will Grayson' with David Levithan (2010) 'The Fault in Our Stars' (2012) 'Turtles All the Way Down' (2017) 'The Anthropocene Reviewed' (2021) 'Everything is Tuberculosis' (2025) In 2008, Green contributed to a holiday novella romance collection 'Let it Snow' alongside authors Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle. He also lended his pen for 'What You Wish For,' a collection from children's and young adult writers to benefit Darfuri refugees. John Green's movie and TV show adaptations Four of Green's novels have been adapted into movies or limited series, plus one of his novella collections: 'The Fault in Our Stars' (2014): The first Green onscreen adaptation, 'The Fault in Our Stars' saw a 'near-flawless' opening weekend and dominated the box office when it came out in 2014. Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort starred as the book's Hazel and Augustus, two teenage cancer patients who fall in love. 'Paper Towns' (2015): A year after the success of 'TFIOS,' Green's 'Paper Towns' was adapted into a movie starring Cara Delevingne as Margo and Nat Wolff as Quentin. Wolff also appeared in 'TFIOS' as cancer patient Isaac. 'Looking for Alaska' (2019): This Hulu limited series starred Kristine Froseth as the enigmatic Alaska Young and Charlie Plummer as Miles 'Pudge' Halter. 'Let it Snow' (2019): Green's holiday romance novella was adapted into a 2019 film starring Kiernan Shipka, Jacob Batalon and Liv Hewson. 'Turtles All the Way Down' (2024): Green's latest screen adaptation came out as a movie starring Isabela Merced and Cree as the novel's ride-or-die best friends Aza and Daisy, the former of whom is dealing with crippling OCD. New John Green book is out: 'Everything is Tuberculosis' 'Everything is Tuberculosis' is a deep dive into Green's obsession with the world's deadliest infection, following his friendship with a young patient in Sierra Leone sick with drug-resistant tuberculosis. The novel explores the health care inequities that make the curable disease as prevalent and deadly as it is today, offering a glimpse at how our choices could shape the future of TB. Green also touches on how his OCD and his brother Hank's battle with cancer influenced his interest in this area of public health. 'Green's fans will be pleased by this window into his latest obsession,' a Publishers Weekly review reads. More 2010s reading nostalgia: Fans reflect on 'Hunger Games' legacy Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY's Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you're reading at cmulroy@
