This year’s NYCUDL Friendraiser, The Power of Perspective, an evening focused on the importance of free speech and open dialogue in the United States began with a CLE panel on the First Amendment in schools, moderated by NYCUDL CEO Amisha Mody Mehta. She was joined by Lauren Zimmerman, Esq., partner at Benesch, and Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, co-authors of And Tango Makes Three. Lauren represented the authors after the book was banned in Florida, and the conversation thoughtfully explored how First Amendment issues are playing out in schools today.
The panel was followed by a screening of The Librarians, co-produced by EFPAC member Beesham A. Seecharan, documenting the impact of book bans on schools across the country. We are grateful to Selendy Gay PLLC and Oscar Shine for hosting us for the third year in a row, and to our panelists and Beesham for their partnership in making this event possible.
While our Gala remains a cornerstone celebration of our work, Friendraisers like The Power of Perspective allow us to deepen community and engage in meaningful dialogue around the values that drive our mission. We are thankful for such warm, continued support of our efforts.