AASL Commends the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Carolina

CHICAGO – Acting upon a resolution submitted by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL) the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) formally commends the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Carolina. The organization is one of twenty outstanding programs, events, and products recognized in 2023 for their support of the school librarian profession and the learners the profession serves.

The ACLU of South Carolina is recognized for defending the intellectual freedom of all South Carolina students through its partnership with SCASL in forming the Freedom to Read SC Coalition.

“SCASL is proud to recognize the efforts of the ACLU of South Carolina in mobilizing communities as we work to protect the right to read for all South Carolinians,” said SCASL President Michelle Spires.

AASL President Courtney Pentland added, “The commendations brought forth by AASL Chapters this year are representative of the amazing programs and advocacy efforts happening across the country in support of school libraries, school librarians, and the learners we all serve. I am grateful for organizations like those honored this year that also support literacy and intellectual freedom as these are essential skills and rights for everyone in our communities. We are definitely stronger together, and, through valuable partnerships like these, we can continue to help our learners build a foundation for a better tomorrow.”

All AASL Chapters are eligible to nominate outstanding programs, events, and products for national recognition. To be commended, nominees must align with the principles expressed in the AASL's mission and value statements. The full list of 2023 commendations can be found on the AASL website.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.