This text is a press release or declaration about an award, likely related to intellectual freedom and the legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt. Here’s a breakdown of the key information:
The Award:
The award is deeply connected to intellectual freedom, specifically referencing Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The award honors Eleanor Roosevelt’s lifelong dedication to libraries, access to information, and her role in championing the Universal Declaration of Human rights.
The problem Being Addressed:
Book bans in public schools are a significant concern.
As 2021, PEN America has documented nearly 16,000 book bans in public schools nationwide.
These bans are primarily driven by conservative groups and disproportionately target books about:
Race and racism by authors of color.
LGBTQ+ topics. Books with sexual references or discussions of sexual violence, notably for older readers.
This censorship campaign is described as reaching nearly all 50 states and is compared to the Red Scare era of McCarthyism.Key Organizations Involved:
The Eleanor Roosevelt Center:
A 501c3 non-profit organization.
Dedicated to upholding Eleanor Roosevelt’s values and legacy.
Focuses on acceptance, opportunity, dignity, and respect for all.
Emphasizes Eleanor Roosevelt’s belief in the right to seek, receive, and impart information and the importance of diverse voices in democracy.
PEN America:
Established in 1922.
Works at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression globally.
Champions the freedom to write and defends the liberties that enable creative expression.
Runs the Freedom to Read Programme, which documents book bans.
Maintains an “Index of School Book Bans.”
Sponsoring Organizations:
Freedom To Read Foundation
Oblong books
Press Contacts:
Samantha Shapley at the Eleanor Roosevelt Center.
Suzanne Trimel at PEN America.
In essence, the text announces an award that celebrates intellectual freedom, drawing a direct line from Eleanor Roosevelt’s foundational work to the current fight against widespread book banning in American schools.
