Elissa Malespina - Freedom to Read

The speaker, a former school librarian and current school board member, shares their experience of being non-renewed due to promoting diverse and LGBTQ books. They highlight the widespread issue of book banning in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of diverse books for children's self-identity and support. The speaker advocates for parental rights to choose for their own children without restricting access for others. They use their voice to support others facing similar challenges and stress the need for societal improvement in embracing diversity.

What is the speaker's main point about the issue of book banning?

• It is primarily a concern in New Jersey.

• It is not a significant issue in the United States.

• It is only a problem in the southern United States.

• It is a widespread issue across the entire United States.

What did the speaker find surprising about book banning globally?

• Book banning is not an issue in other countries.

• The United States is among the top countries for book bannings.

• The United States has fewer book bannings than expected.

• Book banning is only a problem in developing countries.

Why was the speaker's contract as a librarian not renewed?

• They did not perform well in evaluations.

• They focused too much on diverse and LGBTQ books.

• They were not punctual.

• They had conflicts with colleagues.

What realization did the speaker have after a conversation at the airport?

• Books are not important for children.

• Their role is to save children through books.

• They should stop advocating for diversity.

• Their job as a librarian is not impactful.

What is the speaker's view on the impact of removing books from children?

• It helps children focus on important subjects.

• It makes children feel unimportant and excluded.

• It has no impact on children's development.

• It encourages children to read more.

What rights do parents have regarding school materials?

• They can dictate the curriculum for all students.

• They have no say in what their child reads.

• They can request their child not to read certain books.

• They can remove books from the library.

How did the speaker respond to being let go from their job?

• They stopped working in education.

• They chose to use their voice to help others.

• They moved to a different country.

• They decided to stop advocating for diversity.