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
Forthcoming. “Silencing Trans Voices.” Politics, Groups, and Identities.
Abstract: In recent years, conservatives in the United States have deployed a transgender moral panic attacking the place of trans people in public spaces. This article explores how this panic has been supported by an effort to purge trans-inclusive literature from education spaces, such as schools and libraries, in the United States. Utilizing a unique set of materials, I identify the common discourses developed by anti-trans activists. By eliminating trans stories, anti-trans activists seek to erase even the possibility of trans happiness from the realm of imagination.
Book Challenge Data:
California, Rocklin Academy (2017): I am Jazz (emails)
Florida, Marion County Public Schools (2019): Almost Perfect
Florida, St. John’s County Schools (2021-22): Beyond Magenta (2); Boys will be Boys: Power, Patriarchy, and Toxic Masculinity; The Breakaways; Felix Ever After; Ho-onai: Hula Warrior (2); I am Jazz; It Feels Good to be Yourself; My Rainbow (2); Peanut Goes for the Gold (2); Trans+; When Aiden Became a Brother (3)
Kansas, Andover Public Library (2018-2019): George; I am Jazz; Lily and Dunkin
Louisiana, Lincoln Parish Library (2020): George; Rick
Maryland, St. Mary’s County Library (2012): The Boy in the Dress
Missouri, Independence Schools (2022): Cats vs. Robots: This is War
Missouri, Rockwood Schools (2021): Gender Queer (4): It Feels Good to Be Yourself; The Breakaways
Montana, Parmly Billings Library (2018): I am Jazz
New Jersey, North Hunterdon High (2021): Gender Queer (3)
New Jersey, Wayne Township Schools (2021): My Princess Boy (2); Sparkle Boy (2); When Kayla Was Kyle (2); From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea (2); Introducing Teddy: A Gentle Story of Gender and Friendship (2); Who Are you? A Kid’s Guide to Gender Identity; Gender Queer
North Dakota, West Fargo Public Library (2017): Beyond Trans: Does Gender Matter? (emails)
Oregon, Josephine Community Libraries (2016): George
Oregon, Lake Oswego School District (2018): George (emails)
Oregon, Portland Public Schools (2018): George (emails)
Texas, Eanes Independent School District (2021): Call me Max (emails)
Texas, Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District (2012): I am J
Texas, Hood County Public Library (2015): My Princess Boy (30 challenges)
Texas, Irving Independent School District (2014): Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out
Texas, Northwest Independent School District (2015): Pugdog
Texas, Spring Branch Independent School District (2021): The Breakaways
Texas, Victoria Public Library (2021): Beyond Magenta; If I was Your Girl; Jack Not Jackie; Jacob’s Room to Choose; The Moon Within; Neither; Red: A Crayon’s Story; Worm Loves Worm
Utah, Granite School District (2021): Deep and Dark Blue
Utah, Murray School District (2021): The Breakaways; Call me Max (emails)
Virginia, Loudoun County School District (2019-2020): Big Bob, Little Bob (2 challenges); My Princess Boy (23 challenges); Want to Play Trucks? (2 challenges)
Washington, Bellingham Public Schools (2021): I am Jazz (emails)
Wisconsin, Cadott Community Schools (2022): Melissa [formerly titled George]; The Moon Within; Julian is a Mermaid
Wisconsin, Columbus School District (2020): 10,000 Dresses
Wisconsin, Mount Horeb Area School District (2015): I am Jazz (emails)
Wyoming, Campbell County Public Library (2021): The Gender Identity Workbook for Guides: A Guide to Exploring Who You Are; Gender Queer (3 challenges); Jack (Not Jackie) (2 challenges); Mary Wears What She Wants (2 challenge); A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities; Trans Mission: My Quest to a Beard (3 challenges); You Be You! The Kid’s Guide to Gender, Sexuality, and Family