Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Summer Update 2019
CBLDF FIGHTS CENSORSHIP IN CBLDF is on the front lines: providing legal aid, challenging unconstitutional laws, and assisting teachers and librarians when comics are threatened, all at no cost to the people who need help. Here’s some of our current work, made possible by donors like you!
Fun Home Controversy Rages in New Jersey Almost a year after Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic was successfully retained in a New Jersey school district, a lawsuit has been brought against district employees in Watchung Hills, alleging that if the graphic novel isn’t removed, “minors will suffer irreparable harm and that New Jersey statutes will be violated.” The plaintiffs asked the judge to immediately remove the award-winning graphic memoir, but the judge denied the request. CBLDF is in contact with the school district and prepared to offer all appropriate support. Fun Home had been offered as an option to several senior English classes in the spring of 2018. A group of parents sought to have the book banned rather than permitting students to opt out of the assignment. CBLDF wrote a letter in support of the book and was pleased to see it retained. In nearby North Hunterdon-Voorhees School District, a revised district policy was established this year that would make it harder to retain Fun Home and other books. The new policy removes references to intellectual freedom, literature reflecting the world, the First Amendment, and more. This policy was in direct response to failed attempt to ban the graphic memoir, and CBLDF spoke out against these changes, urging the superintendent to reverse them.
More LGBTQ+ Challenges Sadly, Fun Home isn’t the only book addressing LGBTQ+ themes that has faced challenges. This year, CBLDF has been involved in the defense of the books Pride: Harvey Milk & The Rainbow Flag, Lily & Duncan, I Am Jazz, and George. The case of Pride is still pending, while the rest have all been retained. CBLDF also learned of a 2018 ban to Love Is Love in a Texas school. Unfortunately for students in that case, we were contacted after the decision process had been closed and couldn’t protest its exclusion.
Call 1-888-88-CBLDF or email info@cbldf.org at the first sign of a First Amendment emergency so CBLDF can help protect access!
N THE U.S. AND ABROAD CBLDF has received increased reports of customs scrutiny of manga at the border. Incidents this year have included a manga industry insider being detained for several hours when entering the United States and having the work they brought back for their professional practice scrutinized. Thankfully, no case emerged from that episode. However, we have been contacted by several readers with similar stories. While cases of this nature represent a minority of routine customs activities, readers and professionals should still exercise caution when crossing borders. CBLDF has compiled guidelines and resources at cbldf.org/resources/customs/ The United Nations also set sights on manga this year. Recent draft guidelines circulated by a UN agency with the goal of expanding child protection also included provisions targeting expressive content, including comics, prose, and other forms of artistic expression. CBLDF submitted comments on the draft that applaud the UN’s efforts to protect children, while cautioning against encouraging governments to place new restrictions on free expression. For more background and the full text of CBLDF’s comments visit cbldf .org/2019/04/cbldf-argues-againstexpressive-content-restrictions-in-unguidelines/ On the education front, the popular manga Assassination Classroom by Yusei Matsui was pulled from a school library on Staten Island. The removal was in violation of New York City Department of Education guidelines. The comic is currently under review by an evaluation committee, but in the meantime, it remains unavailable to readers
who may find insight and enjoyment in its pages. CBLDF spoke out in support of the book, and a decision is pending.
New Worries About Selling Adult Comics The First Amendment protects the right to read, make, and sell adult material, but caution is warranted. This year, we’ve received inquiries from retailers seeking to clarify their rights in the current climate. Here are some resources to help you understand your rights: cbldf.org/retailers
Assassination Classroom published by VIZ Media
Manga in the Crosshairs
CBLDF PROTECTS STUDENTS, T Anti-Education Bills
Florida Student Arrested
Last spring saw a surge of anti-education legislation, including one bill in Vermont and three bills in Florida. CBLDF voiced opposition to the bills, which are now all dead.
A sixth-grade student was arrested after refusing to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance, citing his personal beliefs about the U.S. flag representing racism. A substitute teacher stated that he should find somewhere else to live if he didn’t want to participate in the pledge. He was arrested by a school resource officer for “disrupting a school function” and “resisting arrest without violence.” He was taken to a juvenile detention facility and placed on a three-day suspension. CBLDF joined a coalition of free speech organizations in releasing a letter protesting the excessive punishment.
Vermont’s LD 94 would have punished educators for assigning or providing “obscene” materials. It was unanimously rejected by legislative committee. Florida Citizens Alliance, the group behind a 2017 law that allowed any Florida resident to contest instructional materials, even if the protester has no ties to the school, instigated the following new bills: HB 855 & SB 1454 — Attempted to expand the definition of “harmful to minors” to include any sexual content regardless of academic or artistic merit. As written, the bill would have criminalized the teaching of Romeo and Juliet, 1984, and countless other major works. Any Florida citizen would have been able to sue for an injunction to prohibit works from being taught until the court decided about their appropriateness for education. SB 330 — Would have watered down science education throughout the state in the guise of offering “balanced” opinions instead of proven scientific theory. HB 195 — Would have required schools to offer Bible study classes. While it’s good news that these bills failed, laws of this nature are being proposed frequently. Stay involved in your community and continue to speak up when individuals and special interest groups try to supersede the expertise of educators.
Student protest rights are an increasingly contested area. To help students understand their rights, we created Be Heard! Protecting Your Protest Rights with creator Kai Texel and the National Coalition Against Censorship to outline student protest rights. It is available for free at cbldf.org/beheard
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TEACHERS, AND LIBRARIES Get Inspired by CBLDF Webinars! Join the creators, teachers, and librarians on the cutting edge of using comics in schools and libraries with CBLDF’s new monthly webinars! Gene Luen Yang, the National Book Award-nominated author of American Born Chinese, kicked the program off in May with “Teaching Tolerance & Understanding.” Upcoming webinars will include: “Uncensored Pride,” “Using Comics to Teach Difficult Topics,” “Developing A Classroom Comics Collection,” “Teaching With Comics 101,” and “Know Your Rights.” Every CBLDF webinar includes premium downloadable content and is documented on CBLDF’s video channels. These webinars are made possible by CBLDF members like you!
Get Read Banned Comics! For Banned Books Week This September, get your copy of Read Banned Comics, the essential guide to banned and challenged comics from CBLDF! From Watchmen to Spider-Man, Saga to This One Summer, comics are under attack. This giveaway is a perfect centerpiece for your Banned Books Week celebration, with information about which comics are challenged and banned, a history of comics censorship, and more!
Celebrate Constitution Day with This Is What Democracy Looks Like CBLDF is teaming up with the Eisner award-winning Center for Cartoon Studies to release This Is What Democracy Looks Like in comic book stores on Constitution Day, September 17. The comic maps out how the U.S. government was designed to foster democracy, and it encourages readers to become more informed and engaged citizens. This is What Democracy Looks Like features contributions from award-winning creators James Sturm, Summer Pierre, Kevin Czap, Dan Nott, and Hallie Jay Pope. To learn more, visit www.cartoonstudies.org /democracy/ and ask your local comic book store to stock it!
Comics in the Classroom Survey Teachers! Help CBLDF help you by taking our new Comics in the Classroom survey! This summer, CBLDF is asking teachers to help us understand how they’re using comics in schools and what new resources they would like to see us create! As a thank you, all survey participants are entered into a raffle to win a classroom library that includes graphic novels from Dark Horse, IDW, Image, and Lion Forge! Participants can take the survey bit.ly/CBLDFSurvey19
RETAILER RESOURCES Selling Comics: An Essential New Handbook for Retailers CBLDF and Dark Horse Comics announce Selling Comics, a practical guide to the nuts and bolts of modern comics retailing.
With a foreword by beloved industry stalwart Bob Wayne (former SVP of Sales & Marketing at DC Comics), Selling Comics is intended to serve as a valuable field guide for new and veteran retailers alike. All contributions are from current or former comic shop staff or owners, covering the spectrum of the current retail landscape.
CBLDF presents
“Since the beginning of CBLDF, working with, and for, local comic shops has been an ongoing priority,” says Cox. “Comic shops are the frontline of the art form and often a customer’s first experience with comics. They are one of the most valuable resources we have as an industry and helping facilitate a way for shops to learn from each other has been a tremendous privilege.”
selling comics
Selling Comics will be available at stores everywhere on September 4.
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Retailer Webinars TM
The guide to retailing and best practices
in the greatest modern artform
Edited by CBLDF Deputy Director Alex Cox (previously an award-winning comic shop owner), Selling Comics is a compilation of essays and best practices from some of the sharpest minds in the industry, covering topics as wideranging as store layout, building your brand, and diversifying your product lines. Selling Comics will also include several chapters directly pertinent to CBLDF’s mission, covering topics such as handling a negative media attack and understanding your rights as a small business owner.
CBLDF supports comics retailers with frontline training about protecting your rights and growing your business in the CBLDF Retailer Webinar series. Jennifer Haines, owner of The Dragon, helped us launch the program with a session centered on selling comics to schools and libraries. CBLDF’s retailer webinars happen once a quarter, with upcoming sessions covering topics such as protecting your rights and managing highrisk scenarios!
Jennifer Haines, M.A., B.Ed. Owner of The Dragon ComicsPRO Vice-President Member of the Ontario College of Teachers jennifer@dragonguelph.com
THANK YOU, HUMBLE BUNDLE! CBLDF’s current work wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of Humble Bundle! Humble Bundle sells a variety of digital content, raising money for charity with every type of product sold. Thanks to Humble, CBLDF has been able to expand our program work to do all the projects in this update and many more to be announced! Alison Bechdel, author of Fun Home, says, “CBLDF has gone to bat for my readers and fellow artists time and again over the years. Thanks to their support, books like Fun Home are available to readers who wouldn’t otherwise see themselves in their community’s libraries. Thank you, Humble Bundle community, for supporting their work!” Renowned author and CBLDF Advisory Board chair Neil Gaiman says, “Thanks to the support of the Humble Bundle community, CBLDF is realizing our long-term goals of creating new legal support for creators at risk domestically and around the world. We’re building more resources to help students, educators and librarians use comics in education, and defending their free expression rights — all at no cost to those who need our help.” CBLDF President Christina Merkler says, “Thank you, Humble Bundle community, for helping us ensure that everyone has the chance to enjoy their right to read freely!” Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the First Amendment rights of the comics art form and its community of retailers, creators, publishers, librarians, educators, and readers. CBLDF provides legal referrals, representation, advice, assistance, and education in furtherance of these goals.
STAFF
Charles Brownstein, Executive Director Alex Cox, Deputy Director Georgia Nelson, Development Manager Patricia Mastricolo, Editorial Coordinator Holly Dotson, Education Coordinator Robert Corn-Revere, Legal Counsel
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Christina Merkler, President Chris Powell, Vice President Ted Adams, Treasurer Dale Cendali, Secretary Jeff Abraham Jennifer L. Holm Reginald Hudlin Katherine Keller Paul Levitz David Steinberger Gene Luen Yang
ADVISORY BOARD
Neil Gaiman & Denis Kitchen, Co-Chairs Susan Alston Greg Goldstein Matt Groening Chip Kidd Jim Lee Frenchy Lunning Frank Miller Louise Nemschoff Mike Richardson William Schanes José Villarrubia Bob Wayne Peter Welch
CBLDF thanks our Guardian Members:
CREDITS
James Bailey and Dale Cendali
Betsy Gomez, Designer and Editor Cover art by Dave Gibbons. CBLDF is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law in the year they are given. For detailed financial information, including audited financial reports, please visit cbldf.org/financial-data ©2019 Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and respective authors. Martha Washington © Dave Gibbons and Frank Miller.
CBLDF’s education program is made possible with the generous support of the Gaiman Foundation and supporters like you!
Corporate Members
HOW TO HELP BECOME A MEMBER With options for every
budget, CBLDF membership makes you part of the supporter community that ensures we can continue our important work to protect free expression.
VOLUNTEER CBLDF is a lean organization that’s
made powerful by the contributions of our volunteers. Whether you’re a student or an enthusiast, CBLDF has volunteer opportunities in our office and at conventions. If you’re a writer, artist, or designer, we also need your help!
SPREAD THE WORD Join our email list, and follow
us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to learn the latest in our efforts to protect comics. Share our work with your network of friends and followers. The more people who know of our work, the better able we are to perform it!
DESIGNATE THE FUND Many employee match-
ing fund campaigns and online retail sites such as Amazon, eBay, and Humble Bundle let you designate an organization to receive funds from your purchases. You can help CBLDF by designating us as your chosen charity wherever these efforts are available!
DONATE Visit cbldf.org to make a tax-deductible monetary donation in support of our work. We also accept contributions of original art and other goods that can be used to advance our auction efforts. Your support makes a difference—please donate today!
“Even though there’s more ways than ever for authors and artists to make their voices heard, censorship and restrictions of expression are ever-present. Beyond legal aid and assistance in actual cases of censorship, CBLDF’s mission of education and information helps maintain the First Amendment’s role as a powerful tool for the freedom of speech.”
—Jeffrey Brown (Darth Vader and Son)
“As Americans, we need to keep working to protect the freedom we and our children have not only to say and write what we want, but also to read what we want. CBLDF is at the forefront of protecting the freedom to read, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
—Jennifer L. Holm (Babymouse)
“The work they are doing is as important and timely as ever, because with the growing popularity of graphic novels, the art form has caught the attention of people who think they know better than the rest of us what we should read.”
—Jeff Smith (Bone)
“CBLDF, the work that it does by promoting access to books that are challenged, by defending creators and retailers that have been attacked by different groups, is just overwhelmingly brave and daring.” —Scott Snyder (Batman)
cbldf.org • 1-888-88-CBLDF
“Like many people, I’ve found it more and more difficult to wrap my head around issues of free speech because of recent news events. CBLDF has been at the forefront of these issues for many years now, which makes the work more important than ever. ”
—Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese)