By Misty Barron
Like the plague or burning witches, many might think banning books is an archaic practice from the distant past. However, recent studies show a concerning increase of book bans across America. Censorship has always been a contentious issue, but these reports highlight a growing threat to the First Amendment’s protections of free speech and expression.
David L. Hudson Jr. is a First Amendment law expert from Belmont University College of Law.
“Book bans violate the First Amendment,” Hudson stated. “Because they deprive children or students of the right to receive information and ideas.”
Opponents of these bans believe when books are prohibited, authors and readers are being silenced. This censorship is particularly concerning in schools, where students learn about different perspectives and ideas. Banning books deprives them of the opportunity to engage with controversial topics and develop critical thinking skills.
Andrea Richmond, from Bay City and owner of Leopard Print Books, says people are interested in learning about bans and their detrimental effects.
“Many have thanked me for calling attention to and selling banned books,” Richmond said. “And others have purchased these books because they have been banned.”
Proponents, or advocates, of banning often claim that it is necessary to protect children from offensive or inappropriate content. However, what is considered offensive or inappropriate varies widely from person to person and community to community. Parents have the right to decide what their own children read, but they do not have the right to impose those decisions on others.
Not just a conservative or liberal issue
Book banning is prevalent on the right side of the political spectrum, particularly in the form of school boards removing books from curricula. Some politicians are proposing legislation to ban books deemed too mature for school-age readers.
Their list includes works such as ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue,’ which explores LGBTQ themes and consent, as well as Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison’s ‘The Bluest Eye,’ which has themes of rape and incest.
Efforts to ban books have gone as far as proposing criminal prosecution of librarians in public schools and libraries for keeping such books in circulation. According to the American Library Association, most books targeted for banning were those by or about Black or LGBTQ people. In addition, some state legislators have sought to remove books that may cause guilt or anguish based on race or imply that any race or gender is inherently bigoted.
There are also attempts on the political left to engage in book banning by removing books from school curricula that marginalize minorities or use racially insensitive language, such as the popular ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’
In a quote to the Delta Collegiate about Delta’s stance on banning books, president Gavin also touched on this subject.
“Many would also claim that such stances are political in nature,” said Gavin. “Yes and no. They are political in the sense that certain groups of people have always had to resist oppression in order to be deemed ‘full citizens’ in a country that has found ways to marginalize them. No in the sense that books and knowledge are the domain of politicians. Higher education knowledge, books, learning, and theory is the domain of higher education professionals—this knowledge may have political impact, but it is not the domain of politicians, even if many believe it to be their domain.”
The top five most banned books are “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe, “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson, “Out of Darkness” by Ashley Hope Pérez, “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, and “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas.
Where does Michigan rank?
A PEN America report, titled “Banned in the USA: The Growing Movement to Censor Books in Schools,” discovered that there were 41 bans in Michigan.
These bans run across the following four districts: Gladwin, Rochester, Novi Community, and Hudsonville Public Schools. This makes Michigan the state with the sixth-most bans in the nation. However, the report did not account for the seven books recently withdrawn from Dearborn Public Schools, which would raise the total number of bans in Michigan to 48 and move it up to fifth place.
Ultimately, the debate over book banning in Michigan and across the country highlights the tension between the competing values of intellectual freedom, free speech, and the need to protect individuals from harmful or inappropriate content.
While these values may sometimes come into conflict, it is important to remember that a commitment to intellectual freedom and open dialogue is essential to fostering a healthy and vibrant democratic society.
Where does Delta stand on banning books? President Michael Gavin had a lot to say.
“The recent focus on book banning has centered on whether or not certain themes, such as slavery or LGBTQ+ histories should be discussed in terms of the oppression these and other minoritized groups have faced. The answer to that question is, simply, yes.”
Gavin will be traveling to speak on the topic of book bans in the coming months. He also had more to add to the discussion.
“The attempt to marginalize the truth of race and sexuality in our history and present is not indicative of a culture war. Rather, that approach is an anti-educational, anti-intellectual, racist, homophobic and heteronormative tactic seeking to marginalize and oppress. It is anti-equality.”
What can I do about book bans?
For those who are concerned about the practice of book banning in their communities, there are several resources available to help them get involved and make their voices heard.
“Spread the word about the book challenges and bans to others,” said Richmond. “Encourage friends and family to read and discuss the banned books, support independent bookstores like Leopard Print Books with their purchases and social media likes and follows, and speak up about the importance of protecting the freedom to read books by and about marginalized communities.”
Richmond also has a monthly BANNED book club, which is open to all. For more information, visit leopardprintbooks.com. You can also learn more about this club by viewing the recent WNEM TV5 interview.
National organizations like the American Library Association and the National Coalition Against Censorship offer resources and support to those who are working to protect intellectual freedom and free speech in their communities.
