Publication Data
2021. “Navigating a Doctrinal Grey Area: Free Speech, the Right to Read, and Schools.” First Amendment Studies 55(2): 79-101.
Abstract: Every year thousands of people challenge the contents of libraries and school curriculum. The exact number of these complaints is impossible to measure and most are likely verbal in nature and handled informally. Some, however, explode into public view. This article explores two battles in New Jersey over Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel. In a dispute that began via email, emerged publicly through several high profile local board of education hearings, spread to a neighboring school, and then traveled into the courts, the Fun Home dispute illustrates the conflict at play in the joints between free speech, parental rights, and public authority.
2023. “Contesting Obscenity: Book Challengers and Criminalizing Literature.” The Journal of Intellectual Freedom and Privacy 7(4): 34-45.
Book Challenges:
Florida, Citizens Alliance Review of Drama
Iowa, Dubuque Community School Dist.
Kentucky, Marion County
Minnesota, Anoka-Hennepin School Dist.
New Jersey, North Hunterdon
North Carolina, Brunswick; Clinton City
Pennsylvania, Kennett High
Texas, Austin ISD
Wisconsin, Waukesha
Wyoming, Campbell County Public Library; Cody School District (incorrectly cited as Park City School District”
Criminal Complaints:
Colorado, Steamboat Springs
Florida, Flagler County; Indian River County
North Carolina, New Hanover County
Texas, Leander Police Dept.
Utah, Davis County
In Re: Gender Queer, A Memoir and A Court of Mist & Fury (Virginia Beach Circuit Court)
Washington, Kitsap County
Wyoming, Campbell County