An East Texas county's decision to reclassify a nonfiction book on Native American history as a work of fiction has sparked controversy and loud demands that the decision be quickly reversed.
The issue began in September, when an unnamed resident of Montgomery County, Texas, challenged "Colonization and the Wampanoag Story," a nonfiction book by Native American historian Linda Coombs, The San Antonio Current reported.
As a result, a county-appointed citizens review committee, lacking any librarian input, decided to order the book moved to the fiction section. The ruling triggered public outrage from progressive groups and anti-censorship advocates who view it as an attempt to diminish the accuracy of Indigenous histories.
The reclassification of the book has also led to widespread criticism, with many advocates calling for the book's return to the nonfiction section in all public libraries.
The National Campaign for Justice, a progressive group, launched a petition against the county's judgment, which has garnered tens of thousands of signatures at the time of writing. Libraries and literary organizations, including PEN America, have pointed out that reputable institutions like the Library of Congress recognize the book as nonfiction.
"Racism abounds in Texas, which is why we continue to march through our downtown streets and let all the tourists see that Indigenous people exist," Native American activist Antonio Diaz told the Current, referring to the Texas Indigenous Council's 24th annual Indigenous People's Day March
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