Georgia Becomes Latest State to Attempt to Ban ‘Obscene’ Books From School Libraries

Republicans scream about “cancel culture” with one side of their mouths while literally creating new cancellations every day with the other side. They whine about Democrats “taking away” their Second Amendment rights while having no problem stomping all over the First Amendment rights of everyone else.

We could cite endless examples, but for now, we’re here to discuss a startling and scary new trend taking place in schools–and not the whole COVID mask thing. Following in the jackboot steps of Texas and Kansas, Georgia is now yet another state in the United States of America in the year 2021 to legally challenge certain books on the shelves of their school libraries.

Strangely enough, none of these cases involve the removal of the Bible from any of these school libraries, despite containing the same kinds of “obscenities” as the lawsuits claim the other books have, but let’s focus on what one Georgia lawmaker has taken up as a cause. Jan Jones seems to know better than parents what’s best for their kids. Jan doesn’t want those precious angels having their heads filled up with filth like Toni Morrison’s “Beloved,” a novel about the horrors of slavery that includes graphic descriptions of sex, or Maia Kobabe’s “Gender Queer,” a memoir and graphic novel that contains explicit illustrations of sexual acts.

I’m working with House Education Chair Matt Dubnik and Rep. Chris Erwin to ensure obscene materials have no place in public schools. Let’s get it done this session! #gapol

— Jan Jones (@JanJonesGA) November 12, 2021

That’s bad enough, but when the school superintendent backs it up, you know things are sliding into pure Gilead territory.

This is great news. Obscene materials have no place in our schools. Looking forward to working with the House to protect our students and empower our parents. https://t.co/EcEpEV1bcg

— Richard Woods (@SuptWoods) November 12, 2021

But what one parent deems unacceptable, another might see as another step forward in their child’s education. Fortunately, State Dems who oppose the measure are also speaking out. State Rep. Josh McLaurin, D-Sandy Springs, predicted that “obscene” books would soon become the same buzz words in GOP circles as “critical race theory,” and shared his take in a tweet quoting Jan Jones. “Why is it needed?” McLaurin asked. “Purpose remains the same: to allow some parents to harass teachers/librarians over cultural change … and the kids still have the internet.”

Review of how this went down last session:

– censorship advocates pushed a bill *criminalizing teachers and library techs* – so it landed in house judiciary non-civil (criminal law committee)

– lead witness for the bill falsely testified it created no criminal liability
(1/2)

— Josh McLaurin (@JoshforGeorgia) November 14, 2021

See Also

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– censorship folks realized that was a bad look and changed bill just to create a new review process

– but for what? Why is it needed? Purpose remains the same: to allow some parents to harass teachers / librarians over cultural change

… and the kids still have the internet.

— Josh McLaurin (@JoshforGeorgia) November 14, 2021