Florida’s Department of Education released the titles of more than 700 books removed from school libraries across the state during the 2023-2024 academic year. Almost 400 titles were added to the list compared to the previous year, representing a dramatic increase in limiting access to diverse perspectives.
In March, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill requiring schools to provide a list of all books available in libraries or on class syllabi, communicate with the public any new approved books and allow public comment and parent objection.
According to a Pen America report from October 2024, Ohio has just one school district with three banned books. This emphasizes that the increase in books banned from school libraries can likely be attributed to DeSantis’ effort to make removal an easier, normal process.
This process, however, has direct implications for free speech. When parents and community members insert opinions and backlash on books taught or available in schools, a dangerous precedent of silencing teachers, authors and students is created. Books being embedded in the curriculum or easily accessed at a school library is a common way for young students to read.
Intellectual freedom and creativity that is a direct result of reading are also completely hindered by banning books. Titles such as “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, "Looking for Alaska" by John Green and “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover are all stories suited for high school students, yet they are banned at certain school districts in Florida.
Banning these titles and hundreds of others reflects a trend of removing books with important, thought-provoking themes – allowing ignorance to thrive at the expense of understanding. At a time – such as in middle school or high school – when mental health issues may arise, sexuality becomes a topic of discussion and students become more aware of violence and abuse, it is crucial to have a way to learn about these topics.
These topics, often labeled as taboo, aren’t necessarily taught in schools through direct curriculum. However, school boards have the power to foster an environment where students have the opportunity to seek out stories on these topics through reading.
Beyond Florida, book bans throughout the U.S. also represent the larger theme of removing titles covering topics that are relevant for high school students. Silencing topics that may be easier for students to understand through fictional stories creates the false narrative that these topics are too dangerous and inappropriate to learn about.
According to Pen America, “44% include themes or instances of violence & physical abuse… 38% cover topics on health and wellbeing for students… 30% are books that include instances or themes of grief and death… 30% include characters of color or discuss race and racism… 26% present LGBTQ+ characters or themes… 24% detail sexual experiences between characters… 17% of books mention teen pregnancy, abortion, or sexual assault.”
Banning books surrounding such important themes for young, developing students to learn about through a creative medium directly hinders their access to diverse perspectives – creating an environment full of ignorance and division.
As writer Isaac Asimov said, “Any book worth banning is a book worth reading.”
Layne Rey is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.
