But as banned authors, we sympathize more deeply with Iowa’s children, who deserve better from school officials than their dutiful execution (however reluctant) of laws that violate fundamental human rights. Those rights, including freedom of speech, depend on the actions of courageous citizens willing to take risks to defend them. Of course, it is human to protect one’s livelihood by following orders even when they violate one’s principles and the rights of others. Children and authors, and the freedoms they rely on, need heroes. Peter ParnellJustin RichardsonNew YorkThe writers are the authors of “And Tango Makes Three” and recently filed suit in Florida over the banning and restriction of their book in school libraries.

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Persons: Bridgette Exman, Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Peter Parnell Justin Richardson Organizations: Times, Peter Parnell Justin Richardson New Locations: of Iowa, Peter Parnell Justin Richardson New York, Florida