The Controversy Of Banning Books In Schools

Is there ever a time to restrict someones freedom of expression? What if it’s done to protect our children? How can we ensure that the restrictions will be causing more good, then harm?

Every decent person wants to do whats best for there children. That is one thing we can all agree upon and with that as our common ground I introduce you to the banned books controversy.

The banned books controversy, what is that?!

Yes, did you know that every year hundreds of books are challenged, banned or reported for “controversial topics.” Once a year, every year, the American Library Association celebrates banned books week. The week raises awareness about just that

While the intentions of those who challenge books is often to protect the children that may encounter them in schools or libraries, this is also restricting these children’s freedom of expression. The issue thickens when one analyzes the books that have been banned in the past, and the reasons for there banning. Books are banned for containing violent content, sexual content or a combination of the two, but they are also banned for including LGBT characters, themes of mental illness and racial issues.

Whats the difference?

Good question. There is a big difference between challenges and bans. According to the American Library Association (the ALA) a ban is the actual removal of a book from a library or school curriculum and a challenge is the attempt to ban, or restrict, a book. It is important to remember that a challenge is more then just expressing your opinion about a book, it involves taking action to have it banned. Also, just because a book is challenged doesn't mean it will be banned, many librarians, teachers and parents fight to keep challenges books on shelves and curriculums.

Well thats interesting I guess, but why should I