Books have recently been banned in schools due to concerns about their content. These challenges usually arise from individuals or groups who take issue with specific themes, language, or representations of the literature. The most common reasons for these bans include questions of age-appropriateness, sexual content, offensive language, and perspectives on LGBTQ+ or racial issues.
Mrs. Seidl said, “By having legislation step in and write laws that seem very vague, this book ban is causing many schools to remove books that should be available in school libraries. For example, 300+ page books with one paragraph that falls into the gray area of this law would need to be banned. It is sad to see so many conversations I have with colleagues about books that focus on this law instead of the literary value of the entire piece.”
Mrs. Knipper, an English 1 teacher, says, “I now read, talk, and put books on my classroom shelves with a different lens. I think more about the law and am much more careful about what I put out there. In the past, I’ve also put books in my classroom library that I haven’t read, but now that doesn’t happen. Each book gets read through that critical lens, and if I think something is questionable or borderline according to the law, I will talk to other teachers to get their opinion.”
U.S. school boards have significant authority over the educational materials in their classrooms and libraries. However, the legal guidelines regarding the interpretation of the First Amendment are somewhat unclear, with the last Supreme Court decision on this matter dating back to 1982.
Certain books often find themselves at the center of controversy in schools and libraries across the US. Frequently facing bans or challenges due to worries about their content, which can include themes of sexuality, violence, or strong language.
“Parents should ultimately have the right to determine if a book is appropriate for their child, but I don’t think we should have a blanket decision for every child. Some books are age-appropriate for seniors but not freshmen — but that is another thing I’ve always kept in mind when stocking my classroom library since I’ve always mainly taught freshmen.” Said Mrs. Knipper.
Notable titles that have stirred up debate include To Kill a Mockingbird, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Catcher in the Rye, 1984, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Bluest Eye, and The
Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.
Mrs. Johnson said, “I’ve had to make a significant number of changes to some of my curriculum based on the current policies regarding books. Many books have been pulled off my shelves or taken out of learning units because they violated some of the laws.”
“There has been so much back and forth with this legislation that we don’t want to react only to having to pull the books once again. Last spring, a few administrators and the teacher librarians met to look closely at the list of books we currently have removed from our shelves. We made suggestions about which books we feel confident should be back on the shelves, but we ended up putting that on hold due to the injunction being overturned last spring. So now, with a second injunction in place, I hope that we can add some of those books back on the shelves,” said Mrs. Seidl
“Based on the current state of politics and policymaking, I fear books will continue to be banned. However, I’m also optimistic that we are teaching a generation of students who recognize the power of their voice, and they will fight for their right to read and learn.” Stated Mrs. Johnson
Book bans continue to change class content and learning opportunities by restricting and censoring what students are allowed to read. Educators and students continue to push against book bans with the help of literary figures. The ongoing effort to keep books accessible remains a dynamic and relevant force in our schools and culture.
