Advocating for LGBTQ Texts in a Time of Book Bans

Title: Advocating for LGBTQ Texts in a Time of Book Bans

Date: 04/15/24
Time: 6pm-7pm
Location: Online via ZOOM
Presenter: Henry “Cody” Miller
Registration: Click here

Description: We are currently in a wave of book bans that overwhelmingly target LGBTQ books in several states. Even in New York, some districts and public libraries are facing attacks for creating inclusive shelves. Research and experience shows us that including LGBTQ texts in K-12 classrooms is one way to affirm and welcome LGBTQ students and families within schools. This professional learning will consider how K-12 teachers, librarians, and community members can advocate for LGBTQ texts in our current political moment. First, this presentation will present the current book ban policies in historical and social context. Then, we will discuss strategies and steps for advocating for LGBTQ texts at the local school level as well as advocacy at the district and state level.

Presenter/Bio:
Henry “Cody” Miller is an associate professor of English education at SUNY Brockport. During his seven years as a high school English teacher and in his current role, he has positioned texts as vehicles to discuss broader sociopolitical issues in students’ lives and worlds. Miller is the editor of English Leadership Quarterly. He was awarded NCTE’s LGBTQIA+ Advocacy & Leadership Award in 2022.