Petition to Return Banned Books to NSD 131 Libraries and Curricula

From concerned citizens from all over the world:

We are concerned by the recent actions of the Nampa School Board to dictate what we choose for our families to read. Students and families of the Nampa School District have been adversely impacted by the book ban imposed by the Nampa School Board on May 9, 2022.

The freedoms of thought and expression guaranteed by the First Amendment are essential elements of American life.

We believe that reading choices should be left to parents and we understand that school libraries carry a wide range of reading materials that reflect the diverse lives and experiences of Nampans. The banning of books “forever” from the Nampa School District’s collections assumes that the ideas shared in the books do not resonate with or represent students, families, and individuals who are an integral part of our community.

We also understand, as responsible parents and citizens, that if we find a book to be inappropriate for our families, we have the opportunity to choose a different book from those available through the Nampa School District’s libraries. If a parent wants to limit the books that their family can read, they are free to do so, but they do not have the right to restrict the books available to other families through the Nampa school libraries.

We support the rights of other parents to choose books that are appropriate for their families. We do not believe that any level of government, from the school board to the state legislature to the U.S. Congress, should dictate or censor the reading materials available to citizens of the United States.

We respectfully demand the reversal of the “forever” book ban issued by the Nampa School Board on May 9, 2022 and the immediate return of the 22 books named in that decision to the libraries and curricula of NSD 131.

If you agree that banning books is not the answer and want to stand with the community in Nampa, Idaho, please sign this petition (no matter where you reside in the world!)

Thank you for your support!!