Censorship appears to be becoming more common since Donald Trump assumed the presidency earlier this year. The latest casualty is a children’s book written by actress Julianne Moore in 2007. The Oscar-winning actress has strongly criticized the removal of her book, which promotes acceptance of differences, from school shelves.
Moore claims that her children’s book Freckleface Strawberry has been removed from schools operated by the U.S. Department of Defense. The book tells the story of a seven-year-old girl who learns to embrace herself and her freckles.
“I am truly shocked that my book has been removed for review,” Moore wrote on Instagram.
According to CNN, this is part of a broader review of educational materials in the school system serving military families worldwide. The review aims to determine whether the material aligns with two executive orders signed by Donald Trump regarding “gender ideology” and “racial indoctrination.”
“I cannot understand what is so controversial about this picture book that it is being banned by the U.S. government,” Moore said.
The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) denies that any books have been permanently removed.
“At this time, we are conducting a review—no materials have been permanently removed from our school libraries pending the completion of the review,” said DoDEA spokesperson Will Griffin.
Moore, who herself attended a Pentagon-run school in Germany as a child, expressed concern that children with similar backgrounds may now be denied access to the book.
“I am truly saddened and never thought I would see this in a country where freedom of speech is a constitutional right,” Moore said.
The review comes amid a major restructuring of the Pentagon following Trump’s decision to ban transgender individuals from the armed forces and significantly cut military diversity and inclusion programs.
About The Author
Sorry, what?? Freckles are now unacceptable somehow? Sound like a joke…