By: Nicole Brockbank, Angelina King
Published: Sep 13, 2023
Harry Potter, The Hunger Games and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.
Those are all examples of books Reina Takata says she can no longer find in her public high school library in Mississauga, Ont., which she visits on her lunch hour most days.
In May, Takata says the shelves at Erindale Secondary School were full of books, but she noticed that they had gradually started to disappear. When she returned to school this fall, things were more stark.
"This year, I came into my school library and there are rows and rows of empty shelves with absolutely no books," said Takata, who started Grade 10 last week.
She estimates more than 50 per cent of her school's library books are gone.
In the spring, Takata says students were told by staff that "if the shelves look emptier right now it's because we have to remove all books [published] prior to 2008."
Takata is one of several Peel District School Board (PDSB) students, parents and community members CBC Toronto spoke to who are concerned about a seemingly inconsistent approach to a new equity-based book weeding process implemented by the board last spring in response to a provincial directive from the Minister of Education.
They say the new process, intended to ensure library books are inclusive, appears to have led some schools to remove thousands of books solely because they were published in 2008 or earlier.
Parents and students are looking for answers as to why this happened, and what the board plans to do moving forward.
Prior to publication, neither Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce's office, nor the Education Ministry, would comment on PDSB's implementation of Lecce's directive when contacted by CBC Toronto.
But in a statement Wednesday, the education minister said he has written to the board to immediately end this practice.
"Ontario is committed to ensuring that the addition of new books better reflects the rich diversity of our communities," said Lecce.
"It is offensive, illogical and counterintuitive to remove books from years past that educate students on Canada's history, antisemitism or celebrated literary classics."
Weeding books by publication date raises concerns
The process of weeding books from a library isn't new.
Libraries across the country follow weeding plans to dispose of damaged, mouldy and outdated books and to ensure their collections remain a trusted source of current information.
But Takata, who is of Japanese descent, is concerned weeding by publication date doesn't follow that norm and will erase important history.
"I think that authors who wrote about Japanese internment camps are going to be erased and the entire events that went on historically for Japanese Canadians are going to be removed," she said.
"That worries me a lot."
Libraries not Landfills, a group of parents, retired teachers and community members says it supports standard weeding, but shares Takata's concerns about both fiction and nonfiction books being removed based solely on their publication date.
The group is also concerned about how subjective criteria like inclusivity will be interpreted from school to school in the later stages of the equity-based weeding process.
Tom Ellard, a PDSB parent and the founder of Libraries not Landfills, said teachers reached out to them to help raise awareness about the weeding process.
"Who's the arbiter of what's the right material to go in the library, and who's the arbiter of what's wrong in our libraries? That's unclear," he said. "It's not clear to the teachers who've provided us this material, and it's not clear to me as a parent or as a taxpayer."
Ellard says he's talked to the parent council, his son's principal and his school board trustee. He's also contacted members of the provincial government, but says he hasn't received a substantial response about what happened in the spring and how the process is intended to work.
School board defends process
CBC Toronto requested an interview with the PDSB to discuss how the weeding process works and how the board plans to proceed in the wake of concerns from parents and students. A spokesperson said staff were not available to speak as they were "focusing on students and school families this week."
The board did not address questions about empty shelves, the volume of books removed and reports about weeding books based on the date of publication.
Instead, the board issued statements explaining that the process of weeding books from school libraries was completed in June and has always been a part of teacher librarian responsibilities within PDSB and at school boards across the country.
"Books published prior to 2008 that are damaged, inaccurate, or do not have strong circulation data (are not being checked out by students) are removed," said the board in its statement.
If damaged books have strong circulation the board says they can be replaced regardless of publication date, and older titles can stay in the collection if they are "accurate, serve the curriculum, align with board initiatives and are responsive to student interest and engagement."
"The Peel District School Board works to ensure that the books available in our school libraries are culturally responsive, relevant, inclusive, and reflective of the diversity of our school communities and the broader society," said the board.
Weeding a response to minister's directive
CBC Toronto reviewed a copy of the internal PDSB documents Ellard's group obtained, which includes frequently asked questions and answers provided to school staff by the board, and a more detailed manual for the process titled "Weeding and Audit of Resource in the Library Learning Commons collection."
The documents lay out an "equitable curation cycle" for weeding, which it says was created to support Directive 18 from the Minister of Education based on a 2020 Ministry review and report on widespread issues of systematic discrimination within the PDSB.
Directive 18 instructs the board to complete a diversity audit of schools, which includes libraries.
"The Board shall evaluate books, media and all other resources currently in use for teaching and learning English, History and Social Sciences for the purpose of utilizing resources that are inclusive and culturally responsive, relevant and reflective of students, and the Board's broader school communities," reads the directive.
How weeding works
PDSB's "equitable curation cycle" is described generally in the board document as "a three-step process that holds Peel staff accountable for being critically conscious of how systems operate, so that we can dismantle inequities and foster practices that are culturally responsive and relevant."
First, teacher librarians were instructed to focus on reviewing books that were published 15 or more years ago — so in 2008 or earlier.
Then, librarians were to go through each of those books and consider the widely-used "MUSTIE'' acronym adapted from Canadian School Libraries. The letters stand for the criteria librarians are supposed to consider, and they include:
• Misleading – information may be factually inaccurate or obsolete.
• Unpleasant – refers to the physical condition of the book, may require replacement.
• Superseded – book been overtaken by a new edition or a more current resource.
• Trivial – of no discernible literary or scientific merit; poorly written or presented.
• Irrelevant – doesn't meet the needs and interests of the library's community.
• Elsewhere – the book or the material in it may be better obtained from other sources.
The deadline to complete this step was the end of June, according to the document.
[ Dianne Lawson, a member of Libraries not Landfills, says teachers told her The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank and The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle were removed from their school libraries as part of the PDSB weeding process. ]
Step two of curation is an anti-racist and inclusive audit, where quality is defined by "resources that promote anti-racism, cultural responsiveness and inclusivity." And step three is a representation audit of how books and other resources reflect student diversity.
When it comes to disposing of the books that are weeded, the board documents say the resources are "causing harm," either as a health hazard because of the condition of the book or because "they are not inclusive, culturally responsive, relevant or accurate."
For those reasons, the documents say the books cannot be donated, as "they are not suitable for any learners."
A PDSB spokesperson said the board supports its schools "in the disposal of books in a responsible manner by following Peel Region's recycling guidelines." Peel Region allows for the recycling of book paper, as long as hard covers and any other plastics are removed first and put in the garbage.
Books removed based on date, board heard
It was during the first stage of the new equitable curation cycle, that Takata, Libraries not Landfills, and at least one trustee, say some schools were removing books strictly based on publication date.
CBC Toronto recently reviewed a recording of a May 8 board committee meeting focused on the new equitable weeding process. In it, trustee Karla Bailey noted "there are so many empty shelves," when she walks into schools.
"When you talk to the librarian in the library, the books are being weeded by the date, no other criteria," Bailey told the committee.
"That is where many of us have a real issue. None of us have an issue with removing books that are musty, torn, or racist, outdated. But by weeding a book, removing a book from a shelf, based simply on this date is unacceptable. And yes, I witnessed it."
Bernadette Smith, superintendent of innovation and research for PDSB, is heard responding on the recording, saying it was "very disappointing" to hear that, because she said that's not the direction the board is giving in its training for the process.
Dianne Lawson, another member of Libraries not Landfills, told CBC Toronto weeding by publication date in some schools must have occurred in order to explain why a middle school teacher told her The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank was removed from shelves. She also says a kindergarten teacher told her The Very Hungry Caterpillar had been removed as well.
"She has read it to her classes for years, they love it," Lawson said, referring to the Eric Carle picture book.
"I can't find any sedition in it, or any reason why you would pull this book."
Process 'rolled out wrong,' trustee chair says
Trustee and chair of the board, David Green, told CBC Toronto the weeding process itself "rolled out wrong."
That's why he says trustees briefly paused the process until the board could get a better understanding of what was actually going on.
A motion was passed at a May 24 board meeting to ensure that, going forward, those weeding books during the anti-racist and inclusive audit in the second phase of the curation cycle would need to document the title and reason for removal before any books were disposed of.
"We have to make sure that we are meeting the needs of the students and not just rolling something out because we were told to do it," said Green.
When it comes to removing all books published in 2008 or earlier, Green said the board of trustees has heard that, too.
"We have asked the Director [of Education] again to make sure that if that is taking place, then that is stopped, and then the proper process is followed," he said.
Green also said they have plans to communicate with parents about the weeding process.
In the meantime, students like Takata are left with half-empty shelves and questions about why they weren't consulted about their own libraries.
"No one asked for our opinions," she said. "I feel that taking away books without anyone's knowledge is considered censorship."
==
Even given it was "rolled out wrong," it's interesting that some librarians saw no issue with the actions they took.
Which doesn't bode well for the overtly ideological "second phase," in which classic and of-the-time literature is judged through the shallow, postmodern "microaggressions" of present-day activist librarians.
It's always been the people who most want to ban books like "To Kill A Mockingbird" who are the ones who most need to read them.
This is what a purge of history looks like.
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Crafting Authentic Slavic Characters: A Guide to Avoid Stereotypes and Embrace Diversity
A/N: I've been informed that people who have nothing on their blog can be mistaken for bots, so I decided to make one about something I'm really passionate about, as a Montenegrin woman. So sit back and enjoy :) (Keep in mind that I've never written a blog before, not even in my native language, so excuse any mistakes.)
Dear writers and storytellers,
As we dive into the art of character creation, it's essential to recognize the significance of crafting Slavic characters authentically and respectfully. Our stories have the power to challenge stereotypes and foster cultural understanding. This guide aims to provide a balanced perspective on what to do and what not to do when developing Slavic characters.
1. Do Research Thoroughly: Invest time in researching Slavic cultures, languages, history, and traditions. The more you know, the better you can authentically represent Slavic characters.
2. Don't Rely on Stereotypes: Avoid portraying Slavic characters solely through stereotypes like the "Russian villain" or "stoic Eastern European." Break away from these clichés.
3. Do Embrace Diversity: Recognize the diversity within the Slavic region. Slavic culture varies greatly from one country to another, so consider this when creating characters.
4. Don't Use Accents as a Crutch: Avoid heavy phonetic accents in dialogue, as they can come across as caricatures. Instead, convey their origin through subtle language choices.
5. Do Develop Complex Personalities: Slavic characters, like any others, should have multi-dimensional personalities, aspirations, and flaws. Make them relatable.
6. Don't Overdo "Tragic Backstories": While adversity can make a character compelling, avoid making every Slavic character's life a never-ending tragedy.
7. Do Consult Sensitively: If you're not from a Slavic background, consider seeking input from individuals who are. Be respectful and willing to learn.
8. Don't Fetishize Culture: Avoid reducing Slavic culture to exotic or mystical elements. Portray it respectfully, not as a novelty.
9. Do Challenge Prejudices: Use your writing to challenge stereotypes and prejudices, both within your story and in your readers' minds.
10. Don't Make All Slavic Characters the Same: Not every Slavic character should conform to a specific mold. Showcase their individuality.
11. Do Address Historical Context: If your story involves historical events or themes, handle them with sensitivity and accuracy.
12. Don't Neglect Positive Representations: While conflict can be a central theme, don't forget to include positive Slavic characters who contribute to the narrative in meaningful ways.
13. Do Avoid Cultural Appropriation: Use cultural elements respectfully and with proper context, avoiding appropriation or misrepresentation.
14. Don't Make Language Mistakes: If using Slavic languages in your writing, ensure they are used correctly to avoid unintended errors or offense.
15. Do Humanize Your Characters: At the core of it all, Slavic characters are human beings. Treat them with the same care, depth, and humanity you would any other character.
16. Don't Be Complacent: Writing authentic Slavic characters is an ongoing process. Continuously educate yourself and be open to feedback.
In conclusion, dear writers, crafting Slavic characters that break free from stereotypes and embrace diversity is not just a creative endeavor but a moral one. As storytellers, we have the power to shape perceptions and promote cultural understanding. By following these guidelines and committing to respectful and nuanced representation, we can contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant literary landscape.
Let's embark on this journey together, armed with knowledge and empathy, and create characters that truly reflect the rich tapestry of the Slavic experience.
You're also free to ask *me* any questions, if you have them and would like an answer from someone who's actually Slavic.
With sincerity and resolve,
Nyushka, a certified Slavic person :)
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Beyond the Closet: Navigating the Coming Out Journey
At a pivotal point in the lives of many queer individuals, the decision to reveal their sexual orientation or identity to those they hold dear emerges. The hope and wish are for a warm embrace and profound understanding from our closest circles. Unfortunately, for myself and numerous others I've encountered, this aspiration doesn't always align with reality. Sometimes, the disclosure leads to heated arguments, denial, or the heartbreaking prospect of being disowned. It's undeniably distressing and overwhelming when those we care about don't readily accept us. You might feel adrift or forsaken, but amidst this challenge, there are coping mechanisms to explore and a supportive community eager to embrace and understand you. In today's post, I'll delve into these topics and highlight resources that can serve as a beacon of guidance and solace.
Tip 1:
If you find yourself in a living situation where your family doesn't embrace your identity or orientation, they might express condescending and shaming remarks. One common phrase I often encounter is, "I didn't raise you this way." When it's safe to do so, I advocate for explaining that identifying a certain way or having a queer-aligned romantic or sexual preference doesn't alter the essence of who you are. You're still the same person they have loved and cared for at your core. Emphasize that your choices, such as a name change or going on a date with someone they might not approve of, doesn't erase the fact that you remain their child, whom they cherished before this realization. Your sexual orientation or gender identity doesn't encapsulate every detail about you; just as a heterosexual person isn't solely defined by being straight, your identity is just one aspect of your multifaceted self.
Tip 2:
Choosing to limit or sever ties with family members or longtime friends can be an excruciating and challenging decision, yet at times, it becomes essential for your mental and physical well-being. When you're in the presence of someone who exhibits hate, bigotry, or outright abuse toward you following the revelation of your identity or orientation, it's entirely within your rights to distance yourself from that person, either temporarily—allowing space for them to self-educate—or permanently. It's an agonizing realization, acknowledging the loss of someone significant, but remember, there will be others in your life who will unconditionally love and embrace you, regardless of your LGBTQIA+ identity. Surrounding yourself with a community that supports and uplifts you for who you are is crucial for your well-being and happiness.
Tip 3:
It's not uncommon for heterosexual individuals to ask questions about your identity in an attempt to understand and support you better. Respectfully addressing queries helps foster mutual understanding. However, there's a clear line where the inquiry becomes invasive. Nobody should feel obligated to divulge details about their sex life to friends, colleagues, or family, and it's equally unsettling to field inappropriate questions about your body or transitioning if that's part of your journey. In such instances, it's essential not to tolerate invasive questions. A firm but polite response like "I don't feel comfortable discussing that" or "That's an inappropriate question, and I prefer not to talk about it" can assert your boundaries.
For those who wish to address such questions with a touch of assertiveness, a response like, "Would you ask that of anyone else?" or "It's not my responsibility to educate you on this" can be effective. It's vital to remember that regardless of how many questions you answer, some individuals may remain entrenched in their beliefs. It's not your obligation to single-handedly change their perspective, as they have the opportunity to research independently. Remind them kindly that resources like Google exist, and it doesn't have feelings. Setting boundaries is crucial for your comfort and well-being, and it's perfectly acceptable to maintain your privacy when confronted with invasive inquiries.
Resource 1:
For individuals navigating a difficult headspace after facing ridicule or rejection from their families, or for those seeking an outlet to vent or in need of emotional support, I highly recommend reaching out to the Trevor Project Text Line. This invaluable resource offers round-the-clock support for people experiencing emotional stress or crises. What's remarkable about the Trevor Project Text Line is its unwavering commitment to providing a safe, welcoming space, specifically designed for those within the LGBTQ+ community. They approach every issue with utmost respect and understanding, ensuring a compassionate and queer-friendly environment for anyone seeking help. The Trevor Project Text Line stands as a beacon of support, ready to assist those in need at any hour.
Resource 2:
It's not uncommon for our loved ones to grapple with understanding our LGBTQIA+ status, yet some genuinely wish to learn and gain a broader perspective. For those family members or friends eager to become more educated about the queer community, I highly recommend introducing them to the Strong Family Alliance. This website is a treasure trove of invaluable resources, offering free parent guides, insightful testimonials from real individuals, and a wealth of other supportive materials. Strong Family Alliance is a comprehensive platform that fosters understanding and support for families and friends looking to enhance their knowledge and support for their LGBTQIA+ loved ones. It's a fantastic starting point for anyone seeking education and insight into the queer community.
To sum up, the journey of coming out can indeed be challenging, but I assure you, it holds immeasurable worth in the long run. Embracing and living your genuine, authentic life, according to your terms, yields one of the most liberating and fulfilling sensations you'll experience in this lifetime. Therefore, I encourage coming out when you feel comfortable to do so. Your authenticity is a beacon of empowerment that will illuminate your path toward a life lived genuinely and unapologetically. Until next time, keep living your truth and shining brightly in the spectrum of life. Take care, stay fabulous, and keep spreading love in every hue of the rainbow.
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La Historia de Khadija 👧
Siguiendo con el tema de nuestra publicación anterior, sobre las Tertulias Literarias Dialógicas, nos gustaría compartir la historia de una niña marroquí escolarizada en España, Khadija. La historia del paso de Khadija por las Tertulias Literarias Dialógicas es una relato de transformación, de amistad y solidaridad.
Khadija llega al centro de educación en pleno curso escolar, tomemos en cuenta que ella tenía gran dificultad con las habilidades comunicativas, tanto en la expresión oral y en la comprensión lectora. Ella tendría que tomar algunas clases de refuerzo y esto la haría sentir excluida de sus compañeros de 5to año.
Si hubieran optado por este método habría supuesto perder aun mas tiempo, sin embargo la escuela optó por implementar nuevos métodos en la educación. Aquí es donde entran las tan esperada Tertulias Literarias Dialógicas.
En este contexto, la lectura, lejos de ser una imposición, es el pretexto para poder participar en emocionantes discusiones. En el presente curso, los alumnos de 5to están compartiendo la lectura de La Eneida de Virgilio. La gran riqueza de la obra literaria permite a los niños profundizar en su comprensión de asuntos como la guerra, el duelo o la derrota, y conectarlos con su propia realidad y vivencias personales, lo que les permite ir mas allá de la obra literaria.
Observando y escuchando a sus compañeros, Khadija ha comenzado a percibir la lectura como una actividad atractiva y estimulante, lo que ha contribuido a despertar importantes motivaciones por aprender. En palabras de su profesora:
"… Con La Eneida ella ve a sus compañeros tan motivados con la lectura, tan motivados por leer, que le acerca, le acerca mucho al aprendizaje de la lectura, es una pasión lo que la mueve… No es ‘tengo que aprender a leer y escribir para hacer problemas de matemáticas, o para hacer esta actividad de comprensión lectora y contestar unas preguntas’, es ‘!Tengo que aprender a leer y a escribir para apasionarme!’. Está despegando, y la Tertulia es uno de los motores"
Además, esto también está permitiendo estrechar su relación con sus compañeros. Algunas compañeras de clase idearon una forma para ayudarla a comprender mejor la lectura, por medio de dibujos le explicaban los capítulos y después le preguntaban que era lo que mas le había gustado y lo que no. Esto ayudaba a que Khadija se sintiera mas cómoda entre sus compañeros y pudiera expresarse mejor, ayudando también a crear vínculos de amistad.
La historia de Khadija demuestra el impacto positivo de las Tertulias Literarias Dialógicas en la educación. Al convertir la lectura en una actividad motivadora y compartida, Khadija mejoró sus habilidades comunicativas y se integró con sus compañeros. La ayuda creativa de sus compañeras, como explicarle la lectura a través de dibujos, fortaleció sus relaciones y facilitó su aprendizaje. Este enfoque inclusivo y participativo no solo impulsó su desarrollo académico, sino también su crecimiento emocional y social, resaltando el poder transformador de una educación verdaderamente inclusiva.
🫂✨📝💕📚
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