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The REAL Story Behind Alabama’s Book Bans
The REAL Story Behind Alabama’s Book Bans
In Episode 53 of Raised Red, Living Blue, we sit down with Angie Hayden, Co-Founder of Read Freely Alabama, and Krysti Shallenberger, Public Policy Director, for an urgent and wide-ranging conversation about the growing censorship crisis facing Alabama’s public libraries.
Read Freely Alabama is a statewide, volunteer-led coalition of concerned citizens pushing back against coordinated efforts to remove books, intimidate librarians, and defund libraries under the guise of “protecting children.” As attacks on libraries escalate across the state, Read Freely Alabama has become a central resource hub—connecting local chapters, library advocates, and national partners to defend intellectual freedom and constitutional rights.
In this episode, we unpack:
— Why books like Sold by Patricia McCormick are being falsely labeled as “pornography”
— How vague, unconstitutional policies are being used to strip libraries of state funding
— The role of political operatives and astroturf groups in driving book bans
— Why librarians are being forced to choose between the Constitution and their livelihoods
— How censorship historically precedes authoritarian control
— The dangerous weaponization of “parental rights” to control everyone’s children
This conversation goes beyond left vs. right. It’s about power, fear, and who gets to decide which stories are allowed to exist in public spaces. From Fairhope to communities across Alabama, citizens are standing up—raising money, organizing locally, and saying enough.
If you care about free speech, libraries, democracy, or the future of education in Alabama, this episode is essential listening.
🎧 Listen +. Subscribe on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
📲 Follow the show on social media: @raisedredlivingblue
Jason WillAlabama NativeProgressive Podcaster Subscribe on Substack: https://raisedredlivingblue.substack.com/
Alabama Real Estate Broker BluePrint Realty Co.Licensed Since 2004☎️ Direct/Call/Text: 251-583-9728🏠 Shop AL Real Estate: https://jasonwill.com💦 Shop AL Lake Merch: https://alabamalakecompany.com
Wanna Be a Guest on the Show? Connect? Got Feedback?👉 https://forms.gle/1sn85LWHVm22KNMH6
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By Raised Red, Living BlueThe REAL Story Behind Alabama’s Book Bans
In Episode 53 of Raised Red, Living Blue, we sit down with Angie Hayden, Co-Founder of Read Freely Alabama, and Krysti Shallenberger, Public Policy Director, for an urgent and wide-ranging conversation about the growing censorship crisis facing Alabama’s public libraries.
Read Freely Alabama is a statewide, volunteer-led coalition of concerned citizens pushing back against coordinated efforts to remove books, intimidate librarians, and defund libraries under the guise of “protecting children.” As attacks on libraries escalate across the state, Read Freely Alabama has become a central resource hub—connecting local chapters, library advocates, and national partners to defend intellectual freedom and constitutional rights.
In this episode, we unpack:
— Why books like Sold by Patricia McCormick are being falsely labeled as “pornography”
— How vague, unconstitutional policies are being used to strip libraries of state funding
— The role of political operatives and astroturf groups in driving book bans
— Why librarians are being forced to choose between the Constitution and their livelihoods
— How censorship historically precedes authoritarian control
— The dangerous weaponization of “parental rights” to control everyone’s children
This conversation goes beyond left vs. right. It’s about power, fear, and who gets to decide which stories are allowed to exist in public spaces. From Fairhope to communities across Alabama, citizens are standing up—raising money, organizing locally, and saying enough.
If you care about free speech, libraries, democracy, or the future of education in Alabama, this episode is essential listening.
🎧 Listen +. Subscribe on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
📲 Follow the show on social media: @raisedredlivingblue
Jason WillAlabama NativeProgressive Podcaster Subscribe on Substack: https://raisedredlivingblue.substack.com/
Alabama Real Estate Broker BluePrint Realty Co.Licensed Since 2004☎️ Direct/Call/Text: 251-583-9728🏠 Shop AL Real Estate: https://jasonwill.com💦 Shop AL Lake Merch: https://alabamalakecompany.com
Wanna Be a Guest on the Show? Connect? Got Feedback?👉 https://forms.gle/1sn85LWHVm22KNMH6