Democracy Requires Participation
Defending the freedom to read is not simply about responding to censorship after it occurs. It is also about helping communities elect leaders who understand the importance of intellectual freedom, due process, transparency, and constitutional rights.
That work begins with informed voters asking informed questions.
School Board candidates should not be expected to support every book. They should, however, be willing to explain how they would protect the rights of people who disagree with them. They should be prepared to discuss the role of government, the value of professional expertise, and the importance of transparent decision-making.
The next time a candidate visits your community forum, attends a school board event, or knocks on your door, consider moving beyond the question of whether they support book bans. Ask them how they would protect the freedom to read. Their answer may tell you far more than you expect.
That’s an excerpt from this website which includes an excellent list of questions for school board candidates:
Duval County School Board Elections
All registered voters can vote including NPAS!
EARLY VOTING
AUGUST 7 TO AUGUST 16
10 AM-6 PM
Link to early voting sites:
https://www.duvalelections.gov/236/Early-Voting
Information about a school board candidate forum at the downtown library on July 30:
https://www.mobilize.us/strongflschools/event/960249/
