Banning Books

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Aldrin Lopez Dr. Pangborn Literature & Composition 19 February 2024 The Freedom to Read: Protecting Books in Schools Banning books in schools is on the rise, but do we truly understand the harm it causes? In our constantly changing school environments, having the freedom to read various books is crucial for making us more well-rounded. Schools banning books negatively impact things like understanding different cultures, being ready for real-life issues, and supporting free speech. This essay argues that limiting access to certain books stops us from becoming informed and open-minded students, which goes against the core values of a good education. Books should not be banned in schools because students should be culturally aware, ready for real-world …show more content…

This may still seem a bit too broad, but I discovered that researching anything more specific than this is difficult, as there aren’t many articles and websites that fully cover those subjects. So, I decided to stick with my topic of banned books in high schools. Then, I brainstormed possible research questions that would aid me in searching for sources. The “Reasons for banning books in high schools”, and “effects of banning books in high schools” were questions I would use in finding helpful information for my argument. In selecting my sources, I looked for relatively up-to-date information that didn’t seem biased. This way, I’d be able to respect both sides of the argument. Books should not be banned in schools because students should be culturally aware. Studying various narrative styles not only enhances students' understanding of others, but also empowers them to be inclusive, creating school settings that are more diverse and welcoming for learning. According to an article from The 19th, some future white Americans may miss out on understanding the true history and current state of racial issues in …show more content…

Public school districts grapple with threats, political pressure, and parental concerns, prompting caution in book selections. “As book bans escalate, coupled with the proliferation of legislative efforts to restrict teaching about topics such as race, gender, American history, and LGBTQ+ identities, the freedom to read, learn, and think continues to be undermined for students” (PEN America). Despite a majority of parents opposing such bans according to a 2022 poll, the persistence of book bans, often driven by a vocal minority, poses challenges for public school districts facing external pressures. This escalating trend, coupled with legislative restrictions on various topics, jeopardizes students' freedom to read, learn, and think. This explains the fact that banning books in schools takes away the purpose of the First Amendment. It eliminates students’ freedom to read, learn, and think on their own. Additionally, such censorship undermines the fundamental principles of education, hindering the development of critical thinking skills essential for a well-informed and democratic

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