A group of district residents have been trying to remove the book The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas from the Elmira High School 9th grade English curriculum because they dislike the book's viewpoint on systemic racism and policing. They filed book challenges in Nov. 2023, and although a committee voted to retain the book, the challengers may still appeal that decision to the board. Our two newest board members have expressed support for banning the book. At a recent board meeting, one of those board members even called the book challenge just "the first go around," suggesting that more book ban efforts are coming.

Surveys have shown that an overwhelming majority of Americans - from both sides of the political aisle - oppose book bans. We believe the citizens of Fern Ridge are rational people who understand the danger that book bans pose to our First Amendment rights. Therefore, we ask the citizens of Fern Ridge to TELL THE SCHOOL BOARD TO UPHOLD THE FREEDOM TO READ AND REJECT BOOK BANS! You don't have to be a parent to make your voice heard. ALL citizens can participate in this email campaign, including students 13 and over, whose very First Amendment rights are at stake.