If you think that there is a uniformity of belief in the LGBTQQIP2SAA "community" you would be sadly mistaken. There are many sides, many points of view, many of which conflict with others in the "community." Stances on adult transgenderism, no less than medical affirmation for minors are but two of them. Erica Anderson, for example, advocates a cautious approach in matters of adolescent transformation. As for teachers and especially librarians, the tradition for advocating access to information has evolved into a zeal for issue advocacy -- rather in contradiction to the American Library Association code of ethics. Finally, and in blunt terms, if one does not understand why there is a kerfuffle over "less than 1% of the population" one needs to recall what "coming out" entails, or what sitting-in at the Woolworth's lunch counter actually meant in 1960.
"As for teachers and especially librarians, the tradition for advocating access to information has evolved into a zeal for issue advocacy -- rather in contradiction to the American Library Association code of ethics"
I don't know any teachers like that and I have sold school books to schools and talked to 100's teachers and librarians in many states both Red both and Blue. You read that some where and it's not true. Someone lied to you.
Oh, that's harsh! I can assure you, no one "lied" to me. No sir, two advanced degrees from distinguished library schools and thirty years of practice and teaching informed my position. Understanding ALA positions on intellectual freedom is nuanced, more so than most staff and many managers can handle. Indeed, challenges come from "allies" within as much as "enemies" without. It is one matter to have materials available for patrons to read or consult, and to respect the privacy of their information seeking. It is another thing altogether to establish public programs, or simple displays, promoting an issue. Finally, removal of library materials because of "dated" views all too often is a mask for censors, and personal bias in materials selection is legendary.
If you think that there is a uniformity of belief in the LGBTQQIP2SAA "community" you would be sadly mistaken. There are many sides, many points of view, many of which conflict with others in the "community." Stances on adult transgenderism, no less than medical affirmation for minors are but two of them. Erica Anderson, for example, advocates a cautious approach in matters of adolescent transformation. As for teachers and especially librarians, the tradition for advocating access to information has evolved into a zeal for issue advocacy -- rather in contradiction to the American Library Association code of ethics. Finally, and in blunt terms, if one does not understand why there is a kerfuffle over "less than 1% of the population" one needs to recall what "coming out" entails, or what sitting-in at the Woolworth's lunch counter actually meant in 1960.
"As for teachers and especially librarians, the tradition for advocating access to information has evolved into a zeal for issue advocacy -- rather in contradiction to the American Library Association code of ethics"
I don't know any teachers like that and I have sold school books to schools and talked to 100's teachers and librarians in many states both Red both and Blue. You read that some where and it's not true. Someone lied to you.
Oh, that's harsh! I can assure you, no one "lied" to me. No sir, two advanced degrees from distinguished library schools and thirty years of practice and teaching informed my position. Understanding ALA positions on intellectual freedom is nuanced, more so than most staff and many managers can handle. Indeed, challenges come from "allies" within as much as "enemies" without. It is one matter to have materials available for patrons to read or consult, and to respect the privacy of their information seeking. It is another thing altogether to establish public programs, or simple displays, promoting an issue. Finally, removal of library materials because of "dated" views all too often is a mask for censors, and personal bias in materials selection is legendary.