Artist, television host, comedian and author Anh Do has had his children’s book series banned in an American public school district.
Watch Below: Sophie Delezio shares her amazing outlook on life during an appearance on Anh Do
The Australian has reported that the popular WeirDo series was banned in public schools in Central York district in Pennsylvania in November 2020.
The district includes around 5000 students, who had to campaign to get the ban overturned.
Anh Do’s popular series is aimed at young children and is filled with cartoons and anecdotes from his experience as an immigrant child going to school.
The 17-book series, which focuses on the immigrant experience and people of colour was banned because it “leaned towards indoctrination material” in 2020 and was only overturned in January this year.
The school board apparently banned the books following a number of complaints from parents about their “divisive” nature.
The district also released a statement at the time expressing concern that the books “may lean more towards indoctrination rather than age-appropriate academic content.”
Anh Do’s series were not the only books banned by the district – with the board banning every title on the classroom resources list.
Speaking with The Australian, Anh Do’s agent Andrew Laing revealed they had no clue the book was banned overseas but told the publication that the children’s protest was “amazing.”
“Just incredible. Good on those kids who had it overturned,’ Mr Laing said.
News of the ban prompted a number of WeirDo fans to share their disappointment online.
“This [book] helps children you ignorant fools,” wrote one Twitter user.
Another praised the “students in the US for fighting school censorship and for books,” adding that “they can change the world.”
Anh Do’s books aren’t the only Aussie media getting censored in the states – A Bluey episode made headlines last week after it was revealed that Disney+ had banned the episode.
Fans recently noticed that “Family Meeting,” an episode from the show’s third season was unavailable on the streaming service Disney+.
The episode is focused on dad Bandit getting accused of letting off a fart in front of his eldest daughter Bluey as he rolled out of bed.
Watch Below: 7 scenes that have been censored in Bluey
In an email received by blog Pirates and Princesses, a Disney Branded Television employee revealed why the episode wasn’t available.
“‘Family Meeting’ will roll out on US platforms soon. Some of the Bluey content did not meet Disney Junior broadcast S&P in place at the time the series was acquired” the email explained.
“Now that it is rolling out on other platforms, it is a great opportunity to reevaluate which is what we plan to do.”
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