Banning Books In Schools

The Scarlet Letter, The Diary of Anne Frank, and To Kill a Mockingbird all have something in common; these books, although great literary classics, have been banned in schools throughout various points in history. These and other classics are vital for young adolescents to be exposed to since they instill important values and introduce wholly different eras with dated and unconventional ideas. Unfortunately, the government has decided that such improper books should be forbidden from schools due to parental concern for their children’s school reading. Even though this government interference protects what students read, such as the unconcealed use of profanity, racial slurs, and sexual references, books should not be banned in schools because this act goes against the First Amendment and hinders students’ ability to learn and develop as human beings.
When debating whether banning books is of serious

scrutiny, many people find it insignificant. Nevertheless, banning books is a severe issue since it directly affects one’s education and development. From the time the first books were written, some became banned or challenged because of their destructive ways and provocative messages. These messages, however, need to be fully shared in order to understand and tolerate ideals different from one's own. Therefore, it is evident that banning books is a ridiculous act and remains restrictive, for the human mind is meant to be unbounded and free to seek uncensored knowledge. The theme and ideas these books provoke should not be banned because a person’s freedom of thought is prevented.
Although banning books can allow students' parents to have a better control of their children's readings in class, this act contradicts the First Amendment. The First Amendment states citizens must have freedom of expression, whether it be through speech or press. The government is monitoring what students can read by banning books, thus violating their right to exercise the First Amendment. It is unconstitutional for the government to try and control what adolescents can or cannot have full access to. Even though some of the best possible literature also happens to be some of the most controversial, prohibiting students from reading these literary classics does not enhance the scholar’s moral values, but instead makes the child curious in reading the book. Classic literatures, such as The Great Gatsby and The Grapes of Wrath were both banned due to their sexual references. Many conservative parents find their children reading such books a hassle because the parents find the content unsafe and, later, feel the need to explain the awkward topics with their child. For these reasons, books should be read in school because the teacher or mentor can explain these unusual topics with students. By allowing these controversial books to be read in school, students can also partake in discussions and form their own opinions.
When adolescents have the ability to open their minds to these great novels, they experience what the author experienced.

The child is able to develop his/her their own opinion of the book and, from there, aspire to become the best at anything they wish to accomplish. It is because of these books, students will become educated and expand their thought process allowing them to excel in school. Clearly, banning these books in school does not only hinder the child’s ability to learn, but also their ability to see what is actually happening in the world around them. History class itself does not meet the requirements these students need in order to fully grasp what was happening in that era. With the help of these books, students are able understand other eras and recognize the transition of time and ideas. These books do not provoke the child to think a certain way, but, instead, lets the child experience the novel the way they choose to. Instead of banning books, parents should know what their child is exposed to at their schools library or classroom

environment.
Classic literature helped shape the world into what it is now. It behooves the government to not ban these books of wisdom because it allows the students to excel in school and in life. Books do not simply reveal information, but, instead, offer vital information that should be accessible to everyone. If books were to be banned from both adolescents and adults, everyone would simply be provincial and have an unclear opinion towards most subjects. Classic novels should never be banned from a student’s education because this action violates the First Amendment and delays a child’s ability to mature into an informed adult.