Wokeness is still alive and well in our school libraries
Wokeness is still alive and well in our school libraries
Wokeness is still alive and well - In recent months, claims that wokeness has faded or “woke is dead” have circulated widely. Yet, these assertions fail to capture the enduring presence of progressive ideologies in American school libraries. The American Library Association (ALA) continues to serve as a key battleground for these ideas, with its annual Conference and Exhibition currently underway in Chicago. The event’s schedule reveals a clear alignment with contemporary social justice movements, featuring prominent figures like Rachel Maddow, whose opening speech tonight underscores the organization’s commitment to shaping educational narratives.
A Growing Ideological Influence
The ALA’s agenda reflects a deliberate shift toward ideological engagement. Keynote speaker Kimberlé Crenshaw, a leading voice in critical race theory, is set to deliver a speech that reinforces the association’s focus on equity and inclusion. Session titles such as “Queer Kidlit Joy” and “Decolonizing the Stacks” signal a broader mission to infuse school libraries with perspectives that challenge traditional norms. These programs illustrate how the ideological fervor of the past few years remains deeply embedded in the profession, even as critics argue for a return to neutrality.
The ALA’s influence extends far beyond its annual gatherings. Through its division, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), it exerts considerable power over K-12 libraries. AASL establishes standards, guidelines, and “best practices” that guide book selection and curriculum development. While it does not dictate school policy directly, its recommendations shape what materials are acquired, displayed, and promoted. This role has positioned the ALA as a central force in shaping students’ access to knowledge, often in ways that prioritize social justice agendas over balanced perspectives.
One of the most striking examples of this influence is the ALA’s rejection of neutrality as a passive endorsement of systemic inequalities. Since 2021, the organization has distanced itself from the idea that libraries should present ideas without ideological bias. The word “neutrality” has been omitted from its Library Bill of Rights and Code of Ethics, signaling a commitment to actively combat racism and oppression. This change reflects a broader belief that libraries must take a stand, rather than remain impartial.
At the heart of this transformation is a redefinition of what it means to “decolonize” the curriculum. The phrase, once used to advocate for diverse representation, now carries a more explicit ideological weight. Western literature and values are frequently framed as oppressive systems that uphold white supremacy. This approach often results in the elevation of certain viewpoints while marginalizing others, effectively reshaping the traditional canon of texts students encounter.
The Push for Queer Visibility and Trans Narratives
Another focal point of the ALA’s agenda is the promotion of queer identities and trans experiences. The session “Queer Kidlit Joy” exemplifies this effort, positioning librarians as champions of gender and sexual diversity. Similarly, the initiative to prioritize “trans books” is presented as a core responsibility, rather than an optional addition to the curriculum. These programs reflect a growing emphasis on embedding queer theory into educational frameworks, often at the expense of broader perspectives.
The language used in these sessions further illustrates the shift. Terms like “radical empathy” and “equity audits” are now staples of library discourse, suggesting a new standard for how knowledge is curated and shared. This terminology implies that libraries should not only reflect diverse voices but also actively cultivate a specific worldview. As a result, the once-neutral space of the school library has transformed into a platform for ideological advocacy, where the free exchange of ideas is secondary to the promotion of progressive values.
The ALA’s agenda also highlights its stance against efforts to impose age-appropriate restrictions on sexually explicit or ideologically charged materials. This position aligns with its broader goal of ensuring that students are exposed to a wide range of perspectives, including those that challenge traditional notions of morality and identity. While this approach is well-intentioned, it raises questions about the balance between educational guidance and ideological influence.
The Ripple Effect on Education
These ideological shifts have tangible consequences for students. The ALA’s decisions directly impact which books are acquired and which are overlooked, shaping the educational environment in subtle but significant ways. For instance, the push for “queer visibility” may lead to the inclusion of LGBTQ+ literature in school collections, but it also risks sidelining texts that offer alternative viewpoints on gender and sexuality.
Similarly, the emphasis on “decolonizing the stacks” can lead to the removal of Western classics from school libraries, replacing them with works that highlight racial and cultural diversity. While this broadens the scope of materials available, it also raises concerns about the dominance of a particular ideological framework. The ALA’s leadership has made it clear that neutrality is no longer acceptable, framing it as a complicity in maintaining systemic biases.
It is important to note that the ALA is not the only institution influencing school libraries. However, its role as a key arbiter of standards and practices makes it particularly impactful. The organization’s actions ripple through educational systems, guiding librarians in their daily work and shaping the intellectual landscape for students. This influence is further amplified by the presence of high-profile speakers and the promotion of specific agendas within the conference itself.
Despite the ALA’s active role, some argue that its influence has diminished in the age of smartphones and social media. While it is true that students now have access to information beyond the library walls, the ALA’s agenda continues to shape the narrative around what is considered essential knowledge. School officials, therefore, must remain vigilant in understanding how these movements affect their institutions and ensure that students are not exposed to one-sided perspectives.
Our schools are public institutions with a constitutional duty to foster the free exchange of ideas. Yet, the ALA’s current direction suggests that this mission is being redefined in favor of ideological alignment. While diverse voices are vital to education, the absence of a balanced approach risks undermining the very principles that make libraries valuable. The ALA is not hiding its priorities; it is boldly asserting them through its agenda and actions.
Ultimately, the challenge lies in striking a balance between inclusivity and intellectual freedom. The ALA’s commitment to social justice is commendable, but it must ensure that its efforts do not overshadow the importance of presenting multiple viewpoints. By embedding ideological frameworks into the curriculum, the organization risks turning school libraries into vessels for activism rather than open forums for learning. The question remains: how can we ensure that diverse voices are heard without compromising the integrity of education?