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CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has added its signature as to an open letter to state legislatures around the country calling on them to halt the advance of discriminatory, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. AASL is one of twenty signatory associations, collectively representing more than seven million youth-serving professionals, calling on lawmakers to reconsider moving forward with policies that will endanger vulnerable, marginalized populations.

"AASL stands up for the rights of each learner to access materials that will help them to think, create, share and grow,” said AASL President Jennisen Lucas. “This includes respecting the dignity of each learner who enters our space or asks for our assistance. Providing environments for all learners to grow into their authentic selves is the best way we can support our goal of promoting inclusion. For these reasons, we are glad to be included as signers on this statement of equality for our LGBTQIA+ patrons."

The letter reads in part: “As organizations committed to serving the best interests of all youth, we are deeply alarmed at the torrent of bills introduced in state legislatures around the country this year that would directly harm LGBTQ+ youth, particularly transgender youth. These appalling proposals would compromise the safety and well-­being of the young people we all have the duty and obligation to support and protect. All of our nation’s children deserve equal protection and treatment when accessing health care, and when attending school. These anti-LGBTQ+ bills promote discrimination and do harm to students, their families, and their communities.”

The letter can be read in full on the .

AASL is a partner with the HRC Foundation on its . Project THRIVE is a multi-year national campaign to create more equitable, inclusive support systems and help families and youth-serving professionals become better equipped to affirm, support, and care for LGBTQ youth.

The American Association of School Librarians, , a division of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.