Is It Ever Acceptable for Schools to Ban Books?

Is it ever acceptable for schools to ban books?

Many are shocked to hear that in the past four years there have been over 250 attempts by school districts at book banning, an attempt to remove books related to religion, politics or public morality, in thirty one states. During the past century many parents have demanded a book to be banned from the school. They usually believe the book is too harmful, racist, or sexually inappropriate towards their children. However, books contain a wealth of diversity, important ideas, and hundreds of years worth of history that must be taught. Powerful lessons are learned from reading books that teach students more about themselves and the history of the United States. By removing or banning books from schools school officials are depriving students from having learning experiences. Student's need to learn more about their cultural education, the understanding of a sense of place for children and young people. Parents who ban books stop protecting their children from the world and start damaging their growth and ability to live in it properly. Banning hurts more than it helps and therefore, books should not be allowed to be banned in school.

Student's cultural education is very important in their lives and maturity. Many want books such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain and Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee to be taken off the shelves and banned in public schools, because they both contain language considered racist. However, “readers of the books know that both novels contain powerful arguments against racism” (Holliday 29). Students can learn from these books and realize that it is not acceptable to use racially discriminatory language in modern society. Parents also argue that school should teach and expose adolescents to racial and sophisticated topics found in many classic books. Simply because it is a complex issue, does not indicate that the topic should be avoided. Rather, schools should “engage students in meaningful discussions about significant subjects” (Books on the Hook). Teachers are some of the best adults to go to for literature that addresses difficult or personal topics. According to Beverly Becker, the associate director at the American Literature Association: “books are an important educational tool because they contain a wealth of diverse and important ideas”. Becker states that books offer a “safe place to think about things and explore different ideas” (Holliday 29). Oftentimes, the books that are banned from schools teach students important lessons about open-mindedness and self-worth. Books should not be banned from schools because they teach students valuable life lessons and offer a more engaging aspect to the education system.

Many who support the claim to ban controversial books in schools often justify their beliefs by saying there are plenty of other books that are school appropriate