ICYMI: Sen. Durbin, Illinois Sec. of State Giannoulias to Discuss Book Bans and Censorship in U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing
WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, the Chicago Sun-Times previewed tomorrow’s U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on book bans and censorship, chaired by U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The hearing will feature testimony from Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias in Washington, D.C. Sec. Giannoulias also serves as the State Librarian and drafted Illinois’ first-in-the-nation ban on book bans. Additionally, University of Illinois Professor Emily Knox will testify, sharing her expertise on the censorship of literature.
The hearing begins at 10:00 AM ET / 9:00 AM CT on Tuesday, September 12th and will stream live here.
Key Quotes:
“With moves to ban books increasing, Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin, D-Ill., next Tuesday chairs a hearing on the controversial issue with Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to testify about the state’s first-in-the-nation ban against bans.”
“Giannoulias, who took the lead on the legislation that Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed June 12, said in an interview that opposing moves to ban books is a ‘fight for democracy and the freedom to learn.’”
“Durbin said in a statement, ‘Book banning is not a new concept, but our country repeatedly learns the same lesson: that banning books violates our most cherished principles as Americans and restricts our liberties. We must protect our students and their freedom to read and learn.’”
“The Illinois law, effective on Jan. 1, comes as book banning has evolved into a contentious partisan issue with a political impact ranging from contests for local school and library board seats to the GOP presidential primary.”
Read full story here.
-30-
Previous Article Next Article