Is Scholastic letting schools exclude books on race and LGBTQ issues at its fairs?

(NEXSTAR) — Book fair season is here, and controversy is swirling around a new diversity collection that Scholastic is allowing schools to opt into or out of at its pop-up sale events. 

The collection — called “Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice” — was created in response to dozens of states restricting or attempting to ban certain books dealing with LGBTQ issues and racism from schools, the company said in a statement on Oct. 13. 

“Because Scholastic Book Fairs are invited into schools, where books can be purchased by kids on their own, these laws create an almost impossible dilemma: back away from these titles or risk making teachers, librarians, and volunteers vulnerable to being fired, sued, or prosecuted,” the statement reads.