Texas Library Faces Outrage Over Misplaced Colonization Book

In Montgomery County, Texas, a citizens review panel voted in October 2023 to reclassify Linda Coombs' book, which discusses European colonization from a Native perspective, as fiction. This decision has drawn significant backlash from anti-censorship advocates and literature publishers alike. The book, titled 'Colonization and the Wampanoag Story,' is part of a series aimed at middle-grade readers and is recognized by numerous reputable institutions as a nonfiction work. The controversy began when a local resident challenged the book, prompting the panel's decision that was made without consulting any librarians. This reclassification sparked protests among community members and advocates for Native representation in literature, who argue that such actions erase vital historical narratives. They emphasize the importance of providing accurate and diverse perspectives, especially for young readers. In response to the reclassification, a petition was launched, gathering over 34,000 signatures urging the restoration of the book to its original category. Advocates stress that this issue is part of a larger trend of censorship where controversial narratives are being suppressed, threatening the integrity of educational resources. Texas has been noted for its high number of book bans, with significant enforcement following a nationwide wave of conservatively motivated challenges in public libraries. Critics fear that this trend may encourage more efforts to silence diverse viewpoints, particularly regarding Indigenous history and representation.