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The American Library Association (Wing) has tracked book challenges, which are attempts to remove or restrict materials, since 1990. In 2020, the Wing recorded 156 book challenges reported in the United States, a significant decrease in book challenges. 377 challenges reported in 2019 perhaps due to the covid-19 pandemic. however, challenges reached an all-time high in 2021 with 729 challenges, containing a total of 1,597 books. [22] [27] [28]
You are reading: Why should books be banned
In most years, about 10% of reported challenges result in expulsion or ban from school or the library. however, in 2016, five of the ten most questioned books were removed. The Wing estimates that only about 3% to 18% of challenges are reported to its Office of Intellectual Freedom, meaning the actual number of attempts to ban books is likely much higher. [1] [24]
In 2021, parents (39%) presented challenges most often, followed by sponsors (24%), a board or administration (18%), librarians or teachers (6%), elected officials (2%) . and students (1%). books were most frequently questioned in school libraries (44%), public libraries (37%), schools (18%), and academic libraries (1%). [30]
sexually explicit content, offensive language and “inappropriate for any age group” are the top three reasons cited for requesting a book’s removal. the percentage of Americans who thought any book should be banned increased from 18% in 2011 to 28% in 2015, and 60% of people surveyed believe children should not have access to books containing explicit language in school libraries , according to the harris survey . a 2022 poll found that 71% disagreed with efforts to remove the books, including 75% of Democrats, 58% of independents, and 70% of Republicans. [1] [3] [28]
Should parents or other adults be able to ban books in schools and libraries?
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discussion questions
- Should parents or other adults be able to ban books from schools or libraries? why or why not?
- have you read any of the 10 most questioned books of 2021 (see chart below)? should such books be banned or restricted? explain your answers.
- does censorship ban a book? why or why not?
take action
1. assess the perspective of parents who would like to check out a book from the school library.
2. consider “7 Banned Books Through the Ages” in the British Encyclopedia.
3. Explore the resources and efforts of the American Library Association against banning books.
4. consider how you felt about the topic before reading this article. After reading the pros and cons of this topic, have you changed your mind? if so, how? list two or three ways. If his thoughts haven’t changed, list two or three ways your better understanding of the “other side of the problem” now helps you better argue his position.
5. lobby for the position and policies you support by writing to us senators and national representatives.
sources
more school discussion topics
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Should students wear school uniforms? – Advocates say uniforms can increase student safety. opponents say the uniforms restrict expression.
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