Teachers and students in BC School District 39 have been banned from accessing a free online library featuring Black, Indigenous, Asian, queer, trans, intersex, disabled, and neurodivergent stories, authors, illustrators, activists and creators. 

I Dream Library launched in 2019 by Aisha Kiani and their son Rakim in response to Black history book bans in their Vancouver elementary school library. At idreamlibrary.com an online archive of stories in a variety of formats were designed to help teachers find books and stories that inform social justice learning in Kindergarten - Grade 12. The website has been free for 5 years because this is the best way to encourage access and use of social justice books that are facing growing bans in the United States and Canada.

 

A brief history:

I Dream Library collaborated with the Vancouver School district until 2021, offering professional development, events for students, and free access to lesson plans designed for and with VSB teachers. However, 3 years ago the resource was banned by Vancouver District (VSB) leaders with no explanation. This has impacted thousands of teachers and over 50,000 students and families who are part of the district.

 

Through conversations with teachers and staff, we know the ban includes:

• Prohibiting educators from referencing, recommending, or using I Dream Library resources, website, or services.
• Field trips to I Dream Library gallery installations or events during school time
• Hiring I Dream Library for professional development services, school visits, consultation, equity mentorship for educators
• As the founders, Rakim and Aisha are not allowed to speak about I Dream Library in classrooms or promote / invite classes to events we produce
• When educators ask about why the ban exists, they are not given answers by administrators, other than they have to follow District orders

 

This ban means that:

• intersectional anti-racist, queer, trans, neurodivergent and disability inclusive book recommendations, discussions, resources, education support for educators is not accessible, and specifically excluded. 
• This ban overrides teacher autonomy, intimidates teachers and is racist.
• We’ve heard from organizations and individuals who offer 2SQTI/BIPOC education that supporting us in the challenging the district would put their relationships / earning potential / jobs at risk. 

 

Canadian students and families deserves school district leaders who don’t threaten their teachers and refuse the representation of 2SQTI/BIPoC neurodiverse, and disabled histories, stories, education and professional development. Join us in demanding that BC District 39 allow educators autonomy in accessing diverse literacy resources like I Dream Library.

 

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