We are parents and community members dedicated to fighting book banning in Berkshire County schools.
On December 8, 2023, a police
officer came to
W.E.B. Du Bois Middle School to
search for a book.
This officer was allowed entry to the school, without a warrant and wearing a body cam, to search a classroom for a book, on the basis of a complaint made by a single unidentified community member.
We were deeply troubled that this was allowed to happen, and we find it absolutely unacceptable. Treating books as dangerous has a chilling effect and is a threat to learning, growing, and accessing a wide range of information, voices, and experiences.
Nationwide, there is an attempt to circumvent educators and school administrators with complaints to law enforcement about the content of books. This is part of a Moms of Liberty-esque pattern and is not unique to our community. The School administration must continue to consistently make clear through its statements, actions, and policies that we will not tolerate this in our community.
Letter to BHRSD administration
The playbook for banning books focuses attacks on specific teachers and books, but we know that this is a distraction from the larger issues. We need to protect our students and educators from ALL targeted attacks on marginalized groups and attempts to undermine diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. The school administration must consistently make clear through its statements, actions, and policies that we will not tolerate this in our community.
We wrote a letter to the BHRSD administration on December 18, 2023, asking for transparency, a full accounting of what happened, and a list of specific requests for the administration.