As a professor in the literature I am serious concern about the debates about books that take place in Alberta
Alberta Schools Face Uncertainty with New Library Guidelines
As the back-to-school season approaches in Alberta, there are new uncertainties looming over school libraries. Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides recently announced Ministerial Order 30, titled “standards for the selection, availability and access of school library material.” This order was issued in response to concerns about “sexually explicit” materials in school libraries and requires that such content be removed by October 1st. Additionally, schools must have policies in place to address these materials by January 1, 2026, with no additional funding provided to support these new guidelines.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association has criticized this sudden increase in workload for teachers and teacher librarians, and a survey revealed that the majority of Albertans do not support the ministerial order. This move has sparked a cultural war surrounding books and censorship that has been escalating in North America over the past few years.
While Minister Nicolaides claims that the policy is not about forbidding books, critics argue that the broad definitions of the order effectively prohibit certain content deemed “explicit.” This has raised concerns about the impact on vulnerable groups, particularly LGBTQ2S+ youth, and has been viewed as a distraction from more pressing issues.
Similar trends have been observed in the United States, where attacks on individual books have given way to organized movements targeting libraries and schools. Such actions have led to libraries being closed and books being removed on a larger scale, raising questions about freedom of expression and access to information.
As a professor of literature, I am deeply concerned about the implications of these developments on education and society as a whole. It is crucial that we protect the right to freedom of expression and ensure that diverse voices and perspectives are represented in school libraries. As the new school year begins, it is essential that we remain vigilant and uphold the values of a democratic society in the face of censorship and cultural vandalism.
