With schools and libraries across the country facing a growing number of book bans and attempts at censorship, the Washington state legislature is considering SB 6208 and HB 2331, to ensure educators and families in the state can keep diverse, affirming, inclusive books in public schools. The goal of these bills is to support thoughtful policies and processes for school districts to use if complaints are filed about instructional materials or books, and to align district policies and processes with the state’s anti-discrimination laws and its commitment to school diversity and inclusion.

MomsRising leaders and members across the state have testified this week – in person and by submitting written testimony – to urge lawmakers to pass these bills. This is some of what they are saying:

“Moms in Washington and across the country oppose book bans and censorship that aims to undermine public education and deny children access to history and the rich diversity that makes our communities strong. We commend state legislators in Washington for moving proactively to prevent book bans and urge them to pass SB 6208 and HB 2331, so educators can make professional decisions that allow our kids to access books and instructional materials with diverse, inclusive viewpoints that are reflective of, and welcoming to, us all.”

– Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, Executive Director and CEO, MomsRising, Kirkland (statement)

“My son is in the 1st grade, and he loves to read. We read books like ‘We Are Water Protectors’ by Carole Lindstrom and ‘Fry Bread’ by Kevin Noble Maillard. My son enjoys learning about different histories and cultures. Now he even wants to make fry bread! Banning these books, along with many others, takes away space for children to see themselves in books and learn about and honor other cultures… We need the voices of marginalized communities to be heard in many different ways, including in children’s books and schoolbooks. Their voices and experiences matter and we connect to our truth through their stories.”

-Antoiniqua Daniels, Lacey (testimony)

“As a Native family, we have struggled with the lack of diversity in our school system and its failure to reflect the Native cultures in our family and our state. One of my grandchildren recently asked me: Nana, why doesn’t my class have books with kids like me? It broke my heart and, to be honest, it made me angry. I had to try to explain to her why educators aren’t looking at all cultures. I had to work hard to make her feel safe at school. We have diversity among the students in our classrooms, but not in the books or curricula they are using. That’s a particular problem in rural schools.”

-Tafra Jones, Auburn (testimony)

“Only by valuing diversity and making our instructional materials, textbooks, and libraries inclusive can we ensure that all communities, races, and people can feel welcomed, valued, and can be ready to learn… The banning of books tends to come from fear and discrimination. Now more than ever, we need to step away from the hate that is weakening our country and keep walking toward equity and inclusion... I would like lawmakers to be able to focus on fixing our broken child care system, improving mental health services, and other urgent issues, rather than addressing disputes over what children can read or what instructors can teach in our schools.”

-Bronti Lemke, Tacoma (testimony)

“Stories are powerful. They make us feel less alone; they make us feel affirmed and seen; and they change the course of history. If my ancestors and people who look like me were able to live it, and are still fighting for equality, then individuals can handle reading and learning about culture and injustices... The banning of books is a discriminative tactic … Regardless of our color, zip-codes, or backgrounds, we want our children to have a well-rounded, honest, diverse, and inclusive high-quality education. Please pass SB 6208 to ban book bans and ensure every child has access to stories they can see themselves in!”

-Kristen Marsh, Tacoma (testimony)

“Books give all children a window into the diverse world that we live in and they also allow them to see themselves within the book. Literature is very powerful to the reader as the impressions and messages that a book contains can last a child a lifetime. Good multicultural children's books can help children learn to identify stereotypes and biases when they encounter them... Access to books in community libraries and within the schools are the only access that many children may have. Banning books will hinder our children and families who are already hurting and feel left out. I want my lawmakers to ensure that all our children have access to literature they identify with and see themselves in.” 

-Lupe Mendoza, Walla Walla (statement)

“I want professional educators to decide what books my kids – our kids – can read in school and at the library. I want my son and all our kids to learn about the good and bad in our history, so we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. I want all of us, no matter our race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristics to feel welcomed in school and represented in the books they read. I want educators to decide about the texts and books in their classrooms, without interference from a small group of parents. I want them to be able to create an environment of inclusion and support for all our students!”

-Carolyn Solitaire, Tacoma (testimony)

“Some children do not have the luxury of computers and movies or technology; their source of knowledge is what is available at the library… A book can help children who have no one around who looks like or is like them to recognize there is a bigger world and others who face the same challenges… I grew up in a small town in rural Nebraska. I was bisexual and had a mixed-race family and felt like I never really fit in. Books gave me a window to the outside world until I became an adult and could travel. When I felt trapped in my community, books were a beautiful escape.”

-Lorie Stewart, Mukilteo (testimony)

“Children and adults appreciate seeing themselves reflected in books and other media… They engage more and learn better when they are. During the 15 years I was a teacher, I witnessed the joy that students feel when they have access to a wide variety of books which represent diverse topics, people and places. Banning books hurts those who are left out, and it keeps people from learning about people who are different from themselves.”

-Karen Stringer, University Place (testimony)

To learn more about how moms are organizing to support diversity and inclusion and to stop book bans, contact lisa@momsrising.org.