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Research Tribunal

Becky Ferguson

Created on February 23, 2026

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I am calling because I have concerns about the novel being taught in my child’s English class. I do not believe it is appropriate, and I would like it reviewed.

A parent has called and questioned a novel being taught in a high school English class.

You are now all members of the Research Tribunal.

Submit Your Initial Position

What Makes a Source Credible?

Challenged vs. Banned

Why One Source Is not Research

What Is Synthesis?

eVIDENCE HUB

Strong research requires more than one perspective. As you gather evidence, consider credibility, bias, and how each source strengthens or complicates your position.

ALA DATA

The American Library Association tracks book challenges nationwide each year. Before forming your verdict, review national data and examine how credible sources interpret these patterns.

GALILEO

Peer-reviewed sources undergo rigorous evaluation before publication. Use GALILEO to identify expert perspectives that strengthen or complicate your position.

Reputable Website Source

Public-facing sources can shape opinion and policy. Examine a credible website carefully, considering the author, organization, and supporting evidence.

Final Verdict

Back to Research Briefng

ALA DATA: National Book Challenges

Back to Evidence Hub

The American Library Association tracks book challenges across the United States each year. Review the data and determine what the numbers reveal about this issue.

Click the button to access the American Library Association’s data on book challenges.
Locate one recent statistic related to book challenges or bans.
Record the year the statistic was published.
In 1–2 complete sentences, explain what this statistic reveals about current trends in book challenges.

Back to Evidence Hub

GALILEO: Peer-Reviewed Research

GALILEO provides access to peer-reviewed journals and expert analysis. Use this database to examine how scholars interpret issues related to book challenges and censorship.

Log in to Clever and access GALILEO.
Use the filters to locate one peer-reviewed article related to book challenges, censorship, or intellectual freedom.
Record the following information from the article header:

Article title
Author's name
Journal title
Publication year

In 2–3 complete sentences, summarize the author’s main claim.

Website: News Case

Back to Evidence Hub

News articles often cover real-world book challenges happening in schools. Today, you will analyze one case and pull a direct quote to use as evidence in your infographic.

Click the link to open the news article.
Identify the book title and where the challenge happened (school/district/state).
Copy one direct quote from the author or a school/community stakeholder.
In 2–3 complete sentences, explain what the conflict is and what each side is concerned about.

Link to article

The Final Verdict

You have examined national data, scholarly research, and a real-world case. Now, use your evidence to determine what should happen when a book is challenged.

Directions:

State your position clearly (retain, restrict, remove, or provide alternatives).
Reference at least two different sources from your research (ALA, GALILEO, or News Case).
In 4–6 complete sentences, justify your reasoning using evidence.
Reflect on whether your position changed after reviewing the evidence and explain why or why not.

Resources for Analyzing

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Link

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Link

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