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Tennessee book ban opponents to receive Courage Award at PEN America gala
The alliance is being recognized for organizing neighbors, challenging censorship and defending access to books after more than 100 LGBTQ-themed titles were moved.
- On Wednesday, PEN America announced that the Rutherford County Library Alliance, based in Murfreesboro, will receive the PEN/Benenson Courage Awards on May 14.
- The alliance formed in 2023 to oppose a local "decency ordinance" that sought to maintain "family-friendly environments in public places" before the city settled a free speech lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union.
- Censorship efforts persist, as The Rutherford County Library Board voted in March to move more than 100 LGBTQ-themed books to the adult area, citing alleged "gender confusion."
- Alliance Vice President Keri Lambert and communications director Tatiana Silvas will accept the prize at the American Museum of Natural History, joining honorees author Ann Patchett and film producer Jason Blum.
- PEN America co-CEO Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf stated the award recognizes those who stepped forward when "the freedom to read came under attack," joining past recipients Salman Rushdie and Wesleyan University President Michael S. Roth.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Left
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Left
55% Left
L 55%
C 45%
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