Alberta School Libraries Face Book Ban Amid Teacher Strikes

Alberta’s educational landscape is under significant scrutiny as the province moves to enforce a controversial ban on over 200 books deemed inappropriate for school libraries. This decision comes at a time when teachers in Alberta are preparing for potential strikes or lockouts, further complicating access to educational resources for students.

The Alberta government initiated this action to ensure that school libraries contain age-appropriate materials. However, the implementation has led to widespread criticism and confusion. Last week, an internal document from the Edmonton Public School Board (EPSB) surfaced, outlining a list of titles to be removed due to explicit sexual content. This list includes acclaimed works such as The Handmaid’s Tale, Brave New World, A Thousand Splendid Suns, and Atlas Shrugged.

The directive mandates the removal of any material categorized as having “explicit sexual content” from all school libraries, with no exceptions or age restrictions. The deadline for compliance is set for less than a month from now, adding pressure on school boards to act swiftly.

Government Response and Criticism

At a news conference on Friday, Premier Danielle Smith publicly criticized EPSB officials, accusing them of “overreach” and “vicious compliance.” She contended that they had misunderstood the intent of the new regulations, which she claims aim to eliminate “graphic pornographic images” from elementary schools. To illustrate her point, Smith presented slides showcasing sexually explicit images found in some graphic novels within elementary school libraries.

While many may agree with the need to protect younger children from inappropriate content, the government’s approach appears to extend beyond just graphic sexual imagery. The ministerial order issued to school boards in July 2023 outlines a clear framework for identifying and addressing various types of content, including “explicit sexual content,” “non-explicit sexual content,” and “non-sexual content.”

The order explicitly states that “the school authority must not select for inclusion in a school library, or make available to any children or students in a school library, materials containing explicit sexual content.” This broad categorization raises questions about the criteria used to define what is deemed inappropriate and the potential impact on literary diversity in school libraries.

As the deadline for removing these materials looms, educators and school administrators are grappling with the implications of the ban. Many are concerned that the sweeping nature of the order may lead to the withdrawal of valuable educational resources, stifling intellectual freedom and limiting students’ exposure to diverse ideas.

In the face of potential strikes, the situation remains fluid. How the government and educators navigate this contentious issue will likely shape the future of educational content in Alberta’s schools for years to come.