The next Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Education Election will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023! Check your voter registration and closest ballot drop box: https://www.douglas.co.us/elections/.
The 2022-23 school year marked an unprecedented escalation of book bans and censorship in classrooms and school libraries across the United States. PEN America recorded 3,362 book bans during the 22-23 school year, an increase of 33% from the 21-22 school year.
Concerned about the censorship movement sweeping across America’s schools, the Douglas County FReadom Defenders sent all the DCSD BOE candidates a brief questionnaire in August. Here’s what District F candidate Valerie Thompson had to say:
Do you agree with the following principles?
| Yes | No | |
| All young people deserve to see themselves reflected in a library’s books. | X | |
| Books are tools for understanding complex issues. | X | |
| Limiting young people’s access to books does not protect them from life’s complex and challenging issues. | X | |
| Individuals should be trusted to make their own decisions about what to read. | X | |
| Parents of one family should not make decisions for other parents’ children. | X | |
| Reading is a foundational skill, critical to future learning and to exercising our democratic freedoms. | X |
Are there any particular titles or types of books you would like to see restricted or removed from Douglas County schools?
No.
Are there any circumstances in which you would support removing a book from a school or classroom library? Please be as specific as possible.
No. Books are a way for students to experience different view points, cultures, and world views.They are a great tool for building empathy.
Name a book that has influenced you and explain why.
I distinctly remember reading The Giver in 7th grade. This book demonstrated the value of autonomy, individual uniqueness, joy and pain, knowledge, and discovery. I’ve drawn parallels throughout my life to this book.
What role do you believe a school library plays in the school community?
Libraries bridge access to knowledge. They foster literacy, provide a place for critical thinking, help students develop skills to seek knowledge independently, and serve as a place of exploration and adventure for students.
Will you sign the American Library Association Candidate Pledge to support the freedom to read and unite against book bans?
Yes.
Save the date! We’re hosting a Virtual Town Hall with the candidates on Monday, September 25th at 6PM Mountain Time.
Learn more about Valerie Thompson’s election campaign:
Douglas County FReadom Defenders 