Book Bans in Louisiana: A Panel Discussion on Censorship

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on book bans in Louisiana public and school libraries. Moderated by UL’s own Dr. Frank Crocco, this event brings together experts and advocates to explore the impact of book bans on education, freedom of expression, and the future of library access in the state. Don’t miss the chance to engage with thought-provoking perspectives on this critical issue and learn how it affects communities, students, and educators.

Amanda is a 24 year teacher-librarian and grassroots organizer in Louisiana on the frontlines fighting against censorship in libraries. She is the 2021 Librarian of the Year as presented by School Library Journal , a 2021 Library Journal Mover and Shaker, and the 2020 Louisiana School Librarian of the Year.  She is the Louisiana Chapter Councilor to ALA and on both the ALA and LLA Intellectual Freedom Committees. Amanda has won numerous intellectual freedom awards, is a founding member of Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship, and is the author of  “That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America.”

Kristen Luchsinger is a founding member and current board member of the St. Tammany Parish Library Alliance, recognized as one of the leading organizations in our state fighting against censorship and promoting diversity in library collections. She spends much of her free time campaigning for candidates at the community, parish, and state levels, and stays active in her efforts to hold her local government officials accountable to their constituents, as well as contributing to the creation, discussion and adoption of new policies and resolutions that affect both her own and surrounding districts. Kristen is also an active supporter of women’s rights organizations, a member of the Covington NAACP, and one of Queer Northshore’s fiercest allies. As a local activist, Kristen has focused her efforts to stand up for and amplify the voices of marginalized communities, and fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion in St. Tammany Parish and beyond, and was recognized as “Organizer of the Month” by Lynda Woolard from Louisiana Lefty. Alongside her activism, Kristen is pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at Southeastern Louisiana University, furthering her passion and dedication to promoting fairness and equity within her community.

Lynette Mejia is a co-founding member and Executive Director of Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship and Lafayette Citizens Against Censorship, grassroots organizations dedicated to defending access to diverse books in Louisiana libraries. She is the 2023 inaugural recipient of the LASL Citizen Social Impact Award, the 2024 Alex Allain LLA Intellectual Freedom Award, and is a 2024 Undercurrent Wavemaker honoree. In addition to her advocacy work she is a writer, speaker, and poet. Her chapbook, There Is No Why: New Fairy Tales, is forthcoming from Dancing Girl Press.

Dr. Francesco Crocco received his Ph.D. in English from the CUNY Graduate Center and has more than 20 years of experience in higher education teaching and administration. He is currently the instructional support manager for the Office of Distance Learning at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette. Previously, he directed the award-winning Excelsior Online Writing Lab (OWL) and was an assistant professor of English at the Borough of Manhattan Community College of the City University of New York (CUNY).