Fwd: Author's speech cancelled for candor

[Guest guest]

Author's speech cancelled for candor

 

 

 

[Patricia Polacco is a well-known author and illustrator of childrens'

books.]

 

http://www.patriciapolacco.com/

 

Urgent Notice....

 

To All Educators, Librarians, and Media Specialists Regarding the

cancellation of my appearance at the IRA in Chicago for May 2 and 3, 2006

 

A few months ago I was approached by The Buchanan Associates in Dublin, OH

to appear at the International Reading Association Conference in Chicago

on May 2 and 3, 2006. I was to be part of 5 events. Speeches, 'meet and

greet' and book signings.

 

I was happy to accept the invitation which, I assumed, was coming from the

I.R.A. and my publisher. It is always such an honor for me to speak and

interact with teachers and librarians from around the country.

 

But then a very disturbing turn of events transpired. My staff started

receiving phone calls and emails from this firm in Ohio requesting that I

furnish them with a detailed written outline of what I intended to include

in my speeches. I assumed, of course, that this was asked so that a

synopsis of my content could be included in a printed brochure furnished

to the conferees.

 

You can imagine my astonishment when I finally called this firm and

learned that this was not the reason. They requested my written outline

because their 'client' wanted to make sure that I would not discuss my

deep concern about NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND MANDATE...as well as my concern

that there is a link between this mandate and the SRA/McGraw Hill Company

who manufactures, prints, and profits from the sale of these tests to

school systems all over our country.

 

It was then that I closely reviewed all of the emails (I had not up until

this time because I had been doing school visits and was not home until

now). I then realized that the " client " that this firm referred to, but

never names, was indeed, SRA/McGraw Hill! I also learned from the

Officials of the IRA that SRA/McGraw Hill was indeed sponsoring the event

that I had been invited to. I was shocked!

 

This " firm " insisted that my speech be " upbeat, non-controversial, and

non-political " ...I countered with the fact that the plight of the American

teacher is far from " upbeat " and they are caught in the vice grip of the

most controversial and political LIE that has ever been perpetrated on the

American teacher.

 

I was also quite mystified as to why SRA/McGraw Hill would even select ME

and invite me to be part of their program knowing how strongly I feel

about this entire situation.

 

My speeches certainly do inspire teachers...I truly believe they are among

the last hero's we have in our country...but I always mention the

destructive path that is laying wasted to our schools and that is the No

Child Left Behind Mandate!

 

I did mention to them that I considered this broaching " censorship " and a

violation of my freedom of speech.

 

Finally, after receiving numerous emails from this 'firm' that got more

and more 'insistent'...I finally sent them a written refusal to alter my

speeches in any way, Certainly I can moderate their length, but I refused

to alter the content. I made them aware if they truly had a problem with

this, then they could " un-invite " me to be part of their event.

 

Needless to say, SRA/McGraw Hill cancelled my programs within the hour!

 

My main concern here, is that I very much fear the conferees will be led

to believe that it is I who cancelled this event. The cancellation was the

choice of SRA/McGraw Hill and was generated by a blatant attempt to CENSOR

my remarks and the content of what I say to teachers. Which is a clear

infringement of my constitutional right to freedom of speech. I pride

myself on being an advocate for America's teachers as well as being one of

the most reliable speakers at conferences in our country.

 

My lawyers and I have set a formal request to SRA/McGraw Hill through

their representative, The Buchanan Associates in Dublin, Ohio, to post the

following signs outside of each venue at the conference where I am

schedules to speak.

 

" DUE TO PHILOSOPHICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SRA/McGRAW HILL AND PATRICIA

POLACCO, SRA/McGRAW HILL HAS CHOSEN TO CANCEL ALL OF PATRICIA POLACCO'S

APPEARANCES AT THIS EVENT "

 

Call anyone you know that was either going to attend my events, or that

did and were disappointed and tell them why this happened.

 

I am very disturbed by this on many levels. It seems that we American's

are losing, by leaps and bounds, our constitution " guaranteed " rights.

 

I am insulted and very offended not only on my own behalf, but also

because of these various organizations that seek to profit from the misery

for our teachers and school children. Profits and money seem to matter

much more that truly making changes to our educational systems that would

truly help our children. I have to admit that I have a certain amount of

pride in taking this stand on your behalf.

 

Yours faithfully,

Patricia Polacco