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34m ago

Alberta Halts School Library Book Removals as Province Moves to Rewrite Order

Premier Danielle Smith says revised rules will target pornographic images, preserving classic literature.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, right, stands with new Minister of Education and Childcare, Demetrios Nicolaides, following a swearing in ceremony in Calgary, Friday, May 16, 2025.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
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Overview

  • Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides instructed school boards by email to pause all implementation of the July order and to stop developing or circulating removal lists until further notice.
  • The Calgary Board of Education said it has halted its review of more than half a million titles and will await new guidance from the province.
  • Smith criticized Edmonton Public Schools' approach as "vicious compliance" and said the pause will be brief as the order is rewritten to clarify intent and keep classics on shelves.
  • A verified Edmonton Public Schools draft listed more than 200 titles for removal, including The Handmaid's Tale, Brave New World, 1984 and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
  • Margaret Atwood posted a satirical short story after her novel appeared on the draft list, following an earlier message urging people to obtain The Handmaid's Tale.