Vonnegut v. Utah and the Freedom to Read

  • January 7, 2026
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Wednesday, Jan. 7: What do 2 high school students have in common with the Kurt Vonnegut Estate? They're taking Utah to court over the freedom to read. ACLU of Utah's Aaron Welcher on Vonnegut v Utah, and Utah’s Civic Ascent: A Voting & Democracy Summit. Chris Woolsey of Provo-based Angel Studios, which has grossed $71M (so far) with its latest animated film, David. And Lexi Tuddenham of HEAL Utah, a nonprofit that wants you to lobby the legislature with them.

Get More Local, More Vocal with Tonight's Guests

Rallies & Resources Spotlight (full list here):

  • Jan. 8: HEAL Utah's People & Policy: A Legislative Preview | 5:30-7:30 p.m. @ Salt Lake City Public Library's Marmalade Branch, 280 W 500 N, SLC. HEAL Utah's Lexi Tuddenham invites you to join the nonprofit at #ThePeoplesHouse this legislative session, and this meet-up will teach you how. "We need everyone’s support—please spread the word by sharing our flyer and event pages with your friends, family, and networks. Don’t forget to RSVP for our Legislative Days on the Hill to make some noise. Let’s get to work!"

  • Jan. 17: Utah’s Civic Ascent: A Voting & Democracy Summit | 9a-3p in person. Location sent upon RSVP. Event by ACLU of Utah: "Join us for a one-day summit designed to help Utahns take a more active role in shaping our democracy. This event will ground you in the current state of voting rights in Utah and show you how every eligible voter can directly influence the systems that impact our lives. That's what we mean by participatory democracy—communities where everyone has the power, tools, and access to take part. If you want to fight the power grabs during the 2026 legislative session and midterm elections, RSVP now."

  • May 1: Provo-based Angel Studios to release Andy Serkis’s animated adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Angel's Chris Woolsey joins RA to talk about that milestone, as well as the $71M (and climbing) box office of David, released just last month by the Provo-based company. 

Vonnegut Estate, Authors and Student Plaintiffs Take Utah to Court Over the Freedom to Read

ACLU of Utah's Aaron Welcher joins RA to talk about Vonnegut v. Utah, in which plaintiffs argue that portions of HB29 (Sensitive Material Review Law) are unconstitutionally overbroad in violation of the First Amendment. To read the complaint, click here.

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  • The views, opinions and statements expressed on RadioACTive are solely those of the respective speakers and do not represent or reflect the views, opinions or positions of Listeners' Community Radio of Utah, nor its hosts, sponsors, or partners.

Tonight's RadioACTive Team

Guests' views, thoughts, or opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the board, staff, or members of Community Radio of Utah, KRCL 90.9FM. Tonight's RadioACTive team included:

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