Controversy has arisen at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta, where three book events were suddenly canceled. As reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, the canceled events were to feature authors discussing climate change, homelessness, and civil rights.
Authors Elaine Weiss, Mike Tidwell, and Brian Goldstone were set to speak on topics such as educational efforts during the civil rights era, the environmental impact of climate change, and the plight of homeless families in Atlanta. They now face the challenge of finding new venues for their events. Other events, such as one with CNN's legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin and African-American artist Lonnie Holley, are still scheduled to take place.
Elaine Weiss expressed concern, stating, "The idea that a program about a book about democracy has to be approved by someone in Washington was and should be for everyone very scary. The book is about voting rights, and about using education as a liberating tool," in a statement to FOX 5 Atlanta. The New York Times reported that, despite inquiries to the Carter Library, no response was given, raising questions about increased oversight from Washington.
Mike Tidwell expressed disappointment over the cancellation of his April 7 event, initially told that "possible budget cuts" were the cause, as per the AJC Politics. Brian Goldstone’s publisher, Crown, was also informed by a local bookseller that the National Archives now requires approval for all events at the Carter Library, including previously scheduled ones.
