'I realize this is an opportunity for some of you to make a political statement,' Nathalie Turpin, a parent, said. 24, two dozen parents urged the district to keep the book on shelves without any restrictions and criticized a decision they believe is not what's best for students. Joseph said he has heard from dozens of Spring Branch ISD parents who support the book. 'It seems with the case of Spring Branch, they have not only judged, but they've also been jury and executioner as well for something that they've not even considered.' 'I'm interested, and have been interested, since I was working in marketing full time, in moving the needle on how we can make humanity better,' Joseph said.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) - A book called 'The Black Friend, On Being a Better White Person' is now banned in Spring Branch ISD middle schools and restricted in high schools.įrederick Joseph, the book's author, told ABC13 he is saddened by the district's choice. And that's why I'm so excited about the books that are being produced today that can allow us as parents and caretakers and teachers to facilitate these conversations.Author Frederick Joseph told ABC13 he's heartbroken after Spring Branch ISD banned his book 'The Black Friend, On Being a Better White Person.' I mean, to me that's what sort of gets me excited. And I think when our teachers are teaching it and the parents are teaching it and, you know, aunts and uncles and grandparents and cousins and friends, and we're just we're so focused on ensuring that this next generation of Americans can view different-looking groups as equals and can ultimately eliminate this scourge of racism that this nation has faced. I think these lessons are better taught everywhere. On whether these lessons are better taught at home So what a white student will learn is, they'll learn about a white slaveholder and a white abolitionist, and they'll learn about why both said what they said and did what they did, and they'll learn which one had the morally right and just position. I'm so excited about the books that are being produced today that can allow us as parents and caretakers and teachers to facilitate these conversations.Īny good teacher who's going to teach about racism, and also its history, are going to teach about people of different races who were involved in abolitionist struggles, who were involved in the civil rights movement, who are trying to create an equitable and just society today.

Frederick joseph the black friend