Book Censorship in Schools

Describe a current events controversy you're interested in, and say where you think the stasis lies. Be sure to describe different aspects of the controversy so that you have to make an argument for stasis. Your blog title can just be the name of the controversy

As someone planning to be an author and an English teacher, I am very interested in the controversy surrounding book censorship in schools. Common examples include books removed from classroom study or suggested reading lists because they are deemed "inappropriate," often for sexual situations or profanity.

Those for removing certain books, often on a book-by-book basis, deem them inappropriate in some way for the targeted population, whether it is a middle or high school library or a particular English class. According to the American Library Association's compilation of the most challenged books, common reasons include "sexually explicit," "offensive language," "unsuited to age group," "violence," and "homosexuality." It should be noted that those who challenge these books are often not advocating for them to be banned entirely, but rather to be unavailable to an age group they deem impressionable.

Those who argue for the instruction and inclusion of these books--which are often modern classics or young adult novels--believe that teenagers are already exposed to these topics in their lives. Books that deal thoughtfully with serious subjects can help them understand and engage with the world around them and develop sympathy for those in tough situations.

Ultimately, the stasis of this disagreement lies with what is "appropriate" for adolescents and teenagers to be required or potentially required to read. Should teens be shielded from tough but real issues? Do they have the capacity to not blindly follow the risky behavior in these novels?