Check out photos from the event: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ucilibraries/sets/72177720312243690/with/53290390228/ 

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5:30-7:00 p.m. Panel Discussion
7:00-7:30 p.m. Reception

The growing movement to ban books from K-12 schools and public libraries has come to California, with heated debates over titles, processes, and the right of students to learn from a diversity of voices and perspectives about topics both controversial and utterly mundane. This year, UC Irvine is spotlighting the university’s commitment to freedom of speech as a bedrock value of both the university and America’s constitutional system. To bring deeper understanding of the incredible rise in book banning—with over 100 titles being removed from school libraries each month—the School of Social Sciences and UCI Libraries are pleased to host a panel discussion with noted authors of children’s and young adult books whose works have been banned, and with PEN America, a nonprofit founded in 1922 working to defend and celebrate free expression in the United States and worldwide. RSVP required to attend.

Featuring:

• Elana K. Arnold, UCI alumnus and American children's and young adult author
• Eliot Schrefer, American author of both adult and young adult fiction and non-fiction
• Brandy Colbert, American author of children's and young adult fiction and non-fiction
• Allison Lee, PEN America’s Los Angeles Director

Moderated by Bill Maurer, Dean, UCI School of Social Sciences

This event is in support of UC Irvine’s 2023-24 University-wide Thematic Year on Free Speech, Academic Freedom, and Conversations Across the Divide.