A representative for Melania Trump responded to the librarian who described Melania’s books gift as containing “racist propaganda,” among other comments.
Stephanie Grisham, director of communications for the first lady, responded to the librarian’s displeasure with the gift of 10 Dr. Seuss books sent to her school.
Liz Phipps Soeiro is a librarian at Cambridgeport Elementary School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Her school was one of the gift recipients for Sept. 6’s National Read a Book Day. One exceptional school in each state received the gift package from the first lady, accompanied by an inspirational letter.
“My students were interested in reading your enclosed letter and impressed with the beautiful bookplates with your name and the indelible White House stamp, however, we will not be keeping the titles for our collection. I’d like to respectfully offer my explanation,” wrote Soeiro.
“My school and my library are indeed award-winning. I work in a district that has plenty of resources, which contributes directly to ‘excellence,’” wrote Soeiro as her reasoning for not wanting the books.
“My students have access to a school library with over nine thousand volumes and a librarian with a graduate degree in library science,” she continued.
She then goes on a rant about the policies of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, white supremacy, and said illustrations in Dr. Seuss books are based on “racist propaganda.”
“So, my school doesn’t have a NEED for these books,” is how Soeiro sums up her feelings.
Commenters on the post suggest she wouldn’t be reacting that way if the gift was received from previous first lady Michelle Obama, who was known for reading Dr. Seuss books to children. She wasn’t the only first lady who took a liking to his work.
The Cambridge school system released a statement via CBS Boston.
