Citizens for Truth and Justice in Education (CTJE)

Join the Oct 18th "No Kings" Mobilization · Americans United for Separation of Church and State Please sign up here to let us know that you're interested in participating in the October 18th "No Kings" mobilization. We'll send you links to more information.

I took action with Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Will you join me? Use this link to sign up: www.mobilize.us/au/event/846...

Rachel Laser speaking at an event, seated with a microphone, with a quote about church-state separation overlaying the image.

“Church-state separation is under severe threat from Christian Nationalists who want to impose their narrow beliefs on all of us. This House resolution is a breath of fresh air ... our country needs a national recommitment to the separation of church and state before it’s too late." - Rachel Laser

Breaking news graphic from Americans United, celebrating a Congressional resolution that honors the separation of church and state. Visit au.org for more information.

Image of Yassamin Ansari holding a microphone and speaking, with a quote about the importance of democratic rights and the First Amendment, and mentioning challenges under the Trump administration.

BREAKING: AU President and CEO Rachel Laser issued the following statement in response to @repyassansari.bsky.social (D-Ariz.), @rephuffman.bsky.social (D-Calif.) and @raskin.house.gov (D-Md.) introducing a Congressional resolution honoring church-state separation:
www.au.org/the-latest/p...

Tell Congress: No book bans in military schools Schools run by the Department of Defense on military bases have banned hundreds of books and altered curricula that the Trump administration doesn't agree with. Take action.

Looking for a quick action? Add your name to this petition started by the @aclu.org to protest book bans in military schools action.aclu.org/send-message...

It's Banned Books Week!

Sign the petition against book bans at www.bookbanpetition.us

Kudos to Gavin’s graphics team.

Speak Out Against Censorship and Speak Up for the Banned Authors that Inspire You During Banned Books Week Oct. 5-11 As book bans continue to spread at an unprecedented pace– according to PEN America’s latest report—the writers group is urging the public to speak out to defend the freedom to read at public events na...

"As book bans continue to spread at an unprecedented pace — according to PEN America’s latest report — the writers group is urging the public to speak out to defend the freedom to read at public events nationwide during #BannedBooksWeek and beyond..." pen.org/press-releas...

Another Judge Chips Away at Library Patron First Amendment Rights A District Court judge rules that neither library patrons nor authors have First Amendment rights when it comes to library collections.

Another reason we can't "just get private bookmobiles to schools to get kids banned books" is that this isn't about the books. It's about the fundamental rights to democratic spaces that represent a whole community.

Right now, judges are chipping away at *our* rights.

bookriot.com/parnell-vs-e...

www.instagram.com/p/DPICsfNjUT...

Opinion: Banning books undercuts learning and democracy. It remains a threat everywhere, including here in Alaska. Banned Books Week highlights how challenges undermine libraries, learning and free choice.

Our Alaska chapter wrote an opinion piece ahead of Banned Books Week. www.adn.com/opinions/202...

🏳️‍🌈📚 It's a good day to remind folks that the literature you ❤️ is on the chopping block—so put on your Big Gay Undergarments & stand up for your First Amendment rights & in opposition to book bans & censorship.

Friends tell friends . . . 👊

#SapphicBookSky #LGBTQBookSky #BookSky #AuthorSky

The Impact Libraries Have on Teenagers Very few public spaces put time, energy, and square footage into giving teens a place to claim as specifically their own.

Very few public spaces put time, energy, and square footage into giving teens a place to claim as specifically their own.

Court sides with ACLU and queer performers over federal trans funding restrictions As in many authoritarian campaigns, art has been recognized as a vital form of resistance — but bad actors have sought to curtail it accordingly.

The Trump administration can't be allowed to punish arts organizations that uplift trans and queer experiences.

We celebrate this win, not just for our clients but for all of our First Amendment rights.

💥📣 Fight back! 💥📣

Scan the QR for information to help stop book bans—GOP Christian nationalists censorship is paving the way to privatize public schools. Report it!

Report Censorship - It is confidential.
ncac.org/report-censo...
#truthjusticeeducation
@citizenstje

VIRTUAL: SRF365 | Uncensored: Youth Voices Against Book Bans · Summit for Religious Freedom (SRF) Book bans aren’t just about removing stories from shelves — they’re part of a coordinated Christian nationalist strategy to censor inclusive education, erase marginalized voices, and restrict democrat...

YOUTH OF AMERICA! Over 4500+ books banned in Fl-mostly in public schools @penamerica - speak out-save your authors & stories. Massive outcry was 1 reason Jimmy Kimmel returned. Share.
#freedomtoread

I'm attending VIRTUAL: SRF365 Uncensored: Youth Voices Against Book Bans” - sign up now to join me!

Christian Nationalists Cash In on Arizona Voucher Scheme Millions in unaccountable funds prop up extremist agenda

#stopvouchers #separationofchurchandstate
#truthjusticeeducation

Before Jimmy Kimmel's reinstatement, talk show hosts and ACLU added to outcry over suspension Bill Maher, John Oliver, the hosts of 'The View' and 400 artists who joined the ACLU have spoken out about Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, which has now been lifted.

Hours after we sent a letter signed by over 450 artists and 40K others defending free speech, ABC announced Jimmy Kimmel will return to air.

Other companies should heed this warning: We the people are watching.

Updated FAQ and Advocacy Tool Debunking Federal Voucher Scheme Now Available!

Updated FAQ and Advocacy Tool Debunking Federal Voucher Scheme Now Available! pfps.org/updated-faq-...

San Antonio charter school to close after 15 years due to lack of financial resources www.msn.com/en-us/ne...

NCCSA - Network For Public Education National Center for Charter School Accountability NCCSA National Center for Charter School Accountability The National Center for Charter School Accountability provides research and recommendations on increasing transparency and accountability for charter schools. Get the Facts In the News Contact Us Reports Charter School Reckoning: Decline, Disillusionment, and Cost Part I: Decline is the first installment […]

📣NPE’s National Center for Charter School Accountability (NCCSA), provides research & recommendations on increasing transparency & accountability for charter schools. Find it here on our website networkforpubliceduc...

Why schools need libraries and librarians like Mr. Biddle How our school library and its book club focused on banned books changed us for the better.

Two high schoolers wrote a love letter about their high school librarian and the banned books club they're part of. This is really moving and thoughtful and a reminder that kids know exactly what the hell is going on right now.

www.chalkbeat.org/2025/09/09/s...

The only reason to appeal is so the Boards can avoid pressure from the public to return the books that have been unconstitutionally withheld and dodge a situation where they might be at odds with an authoritarian state.

It's pure cowardice.

Home Field Advantage These grassroots advocates uphold the freedom to read on their local turf.

Students, parents, educators , and community members are stepping forward across the US to speak up for our First Amendment right to access information. You can do it too!

www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...

In more news ignoring Judge Mendoza’s ruling, Escambia County Public Schools (currently facing TWO lawsuits over book removals) will move forward with doing away with their committee review process.

www.pnj.com/story/news/l...

Find the areas hit hardest by book bans and the nearest Little Free Library book-sharing box locations!

We are proud to reveal our 2025 Book Ban Map, created in collab with @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social & @penamerica.bsky.social.

Learn more and try the interactive map! littlefreelibrary.or...

Like, follow, and share if you love libraries and reading!

Then, take action to support libraries and literacy at action.everylibrary.org

Are YOU ready?? #laborday #solidarity #workersoverbillionaires #workersunite @justkellykelly.bsky.social @justusvolusia.bsky.social @ctjeszinkerman.bsky.social @aflcio.org @neatoday.bsky.social

Can’t wait for this to be released! Community support and advocacy preserved the right to read in my district and helped spark the NJ Freedom to Read Act. Community voices make a difference. Raise your voice in any way you can.

Stymied By Courts, Oklahoma Catholic Charter Chooses Another Path From Forbes.com

#separationofchurchandstate

AN OPEN LETTER TO FLORIDA LEADERS We joined Authors Against Book Bans, PEN America, We Need Diverse Books, and the National Coalition Against Censorship in a letter urging district leaders to respect the rights of our students by returning books to shelves.

Dear District School Leaders, On behalf of the Florida Freedom to Read Project, PEN America Florida, Authors Against Book Bans, the National Coalition Against Censorship, and We Need Diverse Books, a cadre of organizations dedicated to defending free expression, we write to urge your district to act in accordance with constitutional protections and restore access to books that have been removed from school libraries under pressure from the State of Florida. As you are aware, Judge Carlos Mendoza recently ruled that significant portions of House Bill 1069 were unconstitutional, finding that the State had exceeded its authority and that the resulting censorship regime unlawfully restricted students' rights. This ruling affirms what many free speech advocates have long warned: that the overbroad, vague mandates of HB 1069 compelled districts to suppress access to literature in violation of the First Amendment. This decision provides your district with both a clear legal obligation and a vital opportunity. Florida's students deserve full access to books, especially those offering diverse perspectives and literary value. Arbitrary removals have not only deprived young people of vital educational resources but also eroded the trust of parents, educators, and communities, who expect schools to uphold both professional standards and constitutional rights. We urge you to: 1. Restore Removed Titles: Immediately return to circulation the books withdrawn solely due to HB 1069. 2. Lift the prohibitions on titles that did not undergo a constitutionally sound review. This will enable media specialists to either accept donations or seek approval for purchases to restore titles based on students' needs and interests. 3. Review with Integrity: Ensure that any future review of materials adheres to established professional standards, including the Supreme Court's Miller Test for

obscenity, which requires that works be judged as a whole, in context, and with consideration for their serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. This means a single passage taken out of context cannot be used to justify removal. 4. Affirm Constitutional Commitments: Publicly state your district's commitment to uphold the First Amendment rights of students, parents, and educators. We jointly stand ready to assist districts as you navigate this moment. Should resources be a barrier, we are exploring ways to support schools in replenishing collections, including possible donations of titles named in the court's ruling. The court has made it clear that state-imposed censorship cannot override the rights of students and communities to access literature. We respectfully urge you to act swiftly to correct past removals and restore public trust in your district's commitment to education and free expression. Sincerely, Kristen Arett Florida Chapter Leader Authors Against Book Bans Stephana Ferrell Director of Research & Insight Florida Freedom to Read Project William Johnson Director PEN America Florida Caroline Richmond Executive Director, WNDB We Need Diverse Books Lee Rowland Executive Director National Coalition Against Censorship

Today, we partnered with @authorsabb.bsky.social @penamerica.bsky.social @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social and @ncacensorship.bsky.social to send Florida’s school leaders a reminder to uphold their oath and respect the constitutional rights of their students.