Attending School Board Meetings

Most battles over books are being fought on the local level at school board meeting. That makes attending these meetings one of the most critical actions you can take to fend off book bans. Make sure local officials know you support the access to books of all kinds by attending, listening, and speaking out against censorship.

Government and board websites often post calendars and agendas for upcoming meetings, and some also livestream them. Even if book bans or collection policies aren't on the agenda, many boards and councils allow comments on issues of concern from any community member.

Our partners at PFLAG have created a helpful guide for speaking at library and school board meetings. The below has been adapted from their Plan to Testify at Local Board Meetings guide.

Things You Need to Know

Before you head to a school board meeting, you'll need to know the following:

  1. When and where will the meeting take place?
  2. The policy around public comments:
    • Where do public comments fall in the agenda?
    • How long do you have to speak during public comments?
    • Do you have to register ahead of time to make a public comment?
    • Are there any rules for the contents of comments?
  3. Is there a dress code or a code of conduct attendees are expected to follow?

Important Things to Consider

Safety in numbers: gather supporters and encourage them to attend the meeting.

Prepare your remarks ahead of time so you know what you're going to say. 

Be Informed

Understanding what is on the agenda. Most school board districts publicize their agenda. Google your districts school board website and find the latest agenda. Some school boards (Miami, for example), publicize their agenda's 9 days prior to the general meeting.

If a book is being challenges, finding out why is critical to speaking in its defense. As you make a plan to attend and speak at the meeting:

  • Read the book that is being challenged.
  • Understand what specifically about the book is making it a target for restriction or removal.
  • Research other instances where the book has been challenged in other communities and the outcomes of those challenges.

At the Meeting

Introduce yourself: Mention that you are a constituent and any ties to your community.

Introduce and discuss the issue: Raise the topic you are there to discuss (book ban, library policy, library program, etc.).

Make it personal: Why does it matter to you? Does this issue affect your child? Yourself? Your community? Make sure you relate what you are asking for to a personal experience and a local need. Use your emotion to your benefit.

Make the ask: Ask for the board to reject any proposed censorship and uphold the First Amendment.

Thank them: Thank the board or officials for listening to and considering your comments.

Be Ready for the Next Meeting

Keep track of and make a plan to attend future meetings. Consistently showing up is key! We have listed all upcoming meetings on our events page. Sign-up for a meeting and let us know you're coming.

Show your Support!

Let the School Board know you're with Moms for Libros! You can purchase one of our T-shirts to not only show your support, but help keep our organization going. All proceeds go to the upkeep of our website and all work we do to keep books on the shelves, public schools funded, and maintain children's education freedoms in Florida.