Aren't Standards Always Used? A Reply to Kingston and Lovelace

A presentation is given refuting the arguments presented in an earlier article that guidelines dealing with sexism and racism are a new form of censorship. It is suggested that the guidelines, never meant for fiction, have created an awareness of the lack of variety and balance in both fiction and textbooks. One function of the guidelines is to develop a consensus of what is meant when sexist and/or racist qualities are attributed to material. Since textbooks are not freely chosen by students, it is appropriate that sexism/racism be included as part of the criteria for selection. Educational materials should affirm and encourage all children to probe and develop to their fullest potential.