THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 31, 1997 TAG: 9701310003
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 27 lines
As we approach the midpoint of the school year, we are, once again, hearing of attempts to restrict and censor the books our children and young people will be allowed to encounter and study in class. Well-meaning parents have attacked, on the basis of language and content, such classics as Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, and Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, to name but two targets.
Women's American ORT, a national membership organization with chapters in our community and across the nation, has a continuing commitment to support and enhance quality public education. We oppose censorship of educational materials including, but not limited to, texts and library books. We urge the public, particularly elected school board officials, to remain vigilant to the dangers posed by this challenge to our First Amendment rights.
In fact, Women's American ORT previously has sent delegations of members and friends to visit Washington, D.C., and several key state capitals to make our concerns known to both federal and local officials. Those interested in joining our efforts (three additional state capital visits have been planned for this year) may call 1-800-51-WAORT.
DORENE BERGER
Virginia Beach, Jan. 14, 1997