Julianne Moore’s Children’s Book Under Review by Trump Administration

Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore has expressed shock and dismay after learning that her children’s book, Freckleface Strawberry, is under review by the Trump administration and has been temporarily removed from schools serving military families and defense personnel.

“A Great Shock”: Moore’s Reaction

Moore took to Instagram to share her disappointment, stating that she was “truly saddened” and “never thought [she] would see this in a country where freedom of speech and expression is a constitutional right.” She emphasized that the book, which tells the story of a girl learning to embrace her freckles, was written to remind children that they are united by their shared humanity.

“Compliance Review”: Books Under Scrutiny

The Department of Defense is currently conducting a review of library books “potentially related to gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology topics.” Freckleface Strawberry is among the books being examined, although it’s unclear whether it will be permanently removed.

Executive Orders and “Radical Indoctrination”

This review is part of a broader effort to align school materials with Trump’s recent executive orders aimed at combating what he calls “radical indoctrination” and “gender ideology extremism” in K-12 education.

Moore’s Personal Connection

Moore, a graduate of a Defense Department school and the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, expressed her personal connection to this issue. She highlighted the irony of military children being denied access to a book written by someone who shares a similar background.

Other Books Under Review

Freckleface Strawberry is not the only book under scrutiny. Other titles, including No Truth Without Ruth by Kathleen Krull, a biography of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, have also been temporarily removed from library shelves.

A Debate Over Censorship and Freedom of Speech

This situation has sparked a debate about censorship, freedom of speech, and the role of politics in education. Critics argue that the review is an attempt to suppress diverse voices and perspectives, while supporters maintain that it’s necessary to protect children from harmful ideologies.

As the review continues, it remains to be seen which books will be permanently removed and what the long-term impact will be on students’ access to diverse literature.