North Hunterdon High School Librarian Martha Hickson MLIS’05 RC’82, is the 2022 recipient of the Judith Krug Outstanding Librarian Award from the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC). Hickson has successfully fought six attempts to ban books and actively protects students’ right to read in the school district. She has worked to share intellectual freedom best practices with librarians by presenting at conferences and webinars, including the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), Future Ready Schools, Freedom to Read Foundation, and the New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL). Through her writing, appearances on podcasts, and presentations to community groups, libraries, and churches, she has also raised awareness about censorship among the general public.

Each year NCAC, an alliance of 59 of the nation’s leading education and publishing organizations, recognizes the notable contributions of Free Speech Defenders whose activism has had a profound impact on the protection of First Amendment rights in schools, libraries, and publishing.

Hickson has successfully fought six attempts to ban books and actively protects students’ right to read in the school district.

David Levithan, author of numerous novels for young adults, presented the award to Hickson at the Free Speech Defenders gala in New York City on November 15. Also honored at the event were NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, Human Rights Watch founder Aryeh Neier, First Amendment lawyer Michael Bamberger, and author George M. Johnson, whose memoir All Boys Aren’t Blue is among the books Hickson defended.

David Levithan, author of numerous novels for young adults, presented the award to Hickson at the Free Speech Defenders gala in New York City on November 15.

Since its inception in 1974, the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) has functioned as a first responder in protecting freedom of expression, a fundamental human right, and a keystone of democracy. Representing 59 trusted education, publishing, and arts organizations, NCAC encourages and facilitates dialogue between diverse voices and perspectives, including those that have historically been silenced.

Discover more about the Master of Information program at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information on the website. 

Photo:
Author David Levithan and Martha Hickson, recipient of the 2022 Judith Krug Outstanding Librarian Award from the 
National Coalition Against Censorship.

Credit: NCAC