Trygve Lie,
Communication Studies,
Coventry Uni.
"Peace of mind is better than piece of arse"
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 22 May 1997 23:51:24 -0400 (EDT)
From: Susan1218@aol.com
Subject: Richard Wrights Book Black Boy under attack in Jacksonville FL.
We need your support in this terrible case of censorship of Richard Wright's
books, Black Boy and attack on Native Son.
On May 6th. Richard Wright's book Black Boy was removed from the shelves at
Jean Renault HS in Jacksonville FL as from all schools. This was done at the
request of a Reverend Dale Shaw (his telephone number 904-904-730-3994) in a
three minute speech at a school board meeting. Ms Carolyn Kantor Fax
904-348-7885 Tel 904-348-7880 is the person in charge of the committee
currently reviewing the book and a decision as to whether it should continue
to be available to Jacksonville students is expected within a week to ten
days.
Mrs Zilahy, Chairman of the English Department, was threatened with dismissal
because she assigned this book. (Historically Black Boy has been assigned in
the Junior year since at least 1971 with no controversy)
We ask that you send you faxes and concerns and support to Mr. Cameron and
Mrs. Zilahy ( Fax 904-730-3994) with copies to Mrs. Kantor and the Florida
Times Union Fax 904-356-8486
Perhaps calls the Rev. Shaw would also be helpful
Rev. Shaw
904-730-3994
The issue is that anyone can come to the Board and attack a book and it is
removed from all school shelves until it is reviewed. It has also been
revealed that Native Son another of Richard Wrights' books is under attack.
Before it can be assigned or loaned out from the school library, parents
must sign a permission slip.
Pass this on and do what you can.
Please send copies of your e-mails to Susan1218@aol.com and fax copies of
your letters to 203-846-1937
Thank you
Susan Burnett