Seventeen-year-old free speech activist Julia Garnett was honored by First Lady Jill Biden earlier this month for her local and national leadership in the fight against book banning. Garnett, who lives in Hendersonville, Tenn., is a member of the National Coalition Against Censorship’s Student Advocates for Speech initiative.

Within her Tennessee school district, Garnett has championed student representation on book review committees, in addition to serving on her high school committee. She also organized a Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, led a student walkout to protest gun violence, and was president of her school’s Gay-Straight Alliance. Garnett spoke on a larger stage as she provided testimony on book bans before Congress.

Christine Emeran, director of the Youth Free Expression Program, said in a statement. “I am extremely proud of Julia’s dedicated activism to defend the freedom to read. She serves as a role model for other student activists in NCAC’s Student Advocates for Speech program and beyond.”

Garnett was one of 15 young women in the U.S. recognized by the White House Gender Policy Council during the “Girls Leading Change” ceremony, which took place on October 11 as part of the International Day of the Girl.

Garnett told PW that she first became involved in anti-censorship work when her school board attempted to ban A Place Inside of Me by Zetta Elliott. “From there, I have spent almost a year now fighting book bans across my county,” she said. “I have also advocated for students to have a presence on book review committees because of the importance of having the voices of students reflected in the decisions made by these panels.” After learning about the NCAC and Students Advocates for Speech online, Garnett said, “I became excited about the change I could enact in my school with a group intended to educate students on censorship and how to fight it. I have attended training on censorship and leadership, which has helped me learn how to involve the students around me in discussions on free speech and ways to protect it within our community.”

The work holds personal meaning for Garnett. “As a queer student,” she said, “I grew up in an area with very little representation, which led to a lot of confusion and hurt in my early high school years. Because of these experiences and confusion about my identity, I know the value of having inclusive books in our libraries that represent diverse people and communities. Fighting book bans is so important to me because I know that representation absolutely saves lives.”

Speaking of her award, she reflected, “To receive this recognition is such an honor. Almost exactly a year ago, I spoke at my first school board meeting, and it feels like a full-circle moment to have ended up at the White House for International Day of the Girl. I am proud to represent my community and our fight to keep books on the shelves.”

Her goal is to inspire others to take action as well, she said. “My hope is that this recognition will embolden other young people in my community and around the country to advocate for their rights.”

Garnett urged fellow freedom to read activists “not to be discouraged by the decisions made by those in charge regarding books or policy. We must recognize that we will not win every battle in the fight to protect books. It’s important to persevere and show our decision makers that we will not allow them to easily ban a book.”

She added, “I would also like to say that you cannot and shouldn’t have to face everything alone. There are most likely people in your community—and definitely around the country—who will support you in your fight against censorship. You are never alone because there are people who understand your struggle and frustration, and coming together will only make our voices stronger.”

Founded in 2022 by NCAC’s Youth Free Expression Program, the SAS has established free speech clubs in schools across 15 states, providing members with online advocacy training, forums for discussion with authors, and media opportunities.