In a push for inclusivity and diversity, a grassroots organization in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, stirred up controversy during National Banned Books Week. The organization, Grassroots Menomonee Falls, took to the streets outside local schools to distribute copies of the book 'Love Makes a Family.' This simple preschool read-aloud, banned by the School District of Menomonee Falls along with 32 other titles, aims to showcase the importance of love in all family structures.
Championing Unity Within Community
Parents dropping off their children at Shady Lane Elementary and Benjamin Franklin Elementary were met with volunteers from Grassroots Menomonee Falls. The organization, known for promoting unity within the community, believes that children should be exposed to diverse and inclusive content from a young age. Margie Lowe, a volunteer with the group, emphasized the importance of children being aware of different family structures, stating, 'Children should be exposed to a lot of information, and this is a 4K book, it’s a loving book about different family structures.'
Controversy Unfolds
The decision to ban the book was met with disagreement from Grassroots Menomonee Falls. They argue that exposing children to a variety of family dynamics is essential in fostering understanding and acceptance. The organization distributed nearly 250 copies of 'Love Makes a Family' in just 20 minutes, emphasizing that everyone should have access to diverse content.
Community Response
The School District of Menomonee Falls released a statement clarifying that the book distribution was not organized or approved by the district. Despite this, Grassroots Menomonee Falls remains steadfast in their mission to promote inclusivity and open dialogue. Hallie Schmeling, a co-lead with the organization, expressed the importance of having conversations about all types of families and the significance of representation in literature.
A Push for Dialogue
Schmeling hopes that the distribution of 'Love Makes a Family' will spark conversations about the importance of diverse representation in literature. By showcasing a variety of family structures, children can learn to be empathetic, compassionate, and understanding towards others. The initiative in Menomonee Falls joins a larger trend of schools in Wisconsin, including Howard-Suamico, Waukesha, Elmbrook, Elkhorn, and Kenosha Unified, banning titles that spark discussions on inclusivity and diversity.
In a world where representation in literature matters, the actions of Grassroots Menomonee Falls serve as a reminder of the importance of promoting unity, diversity, and understanding in communities.