Essay On Censorship In Schools

On the other hand, censorship is a topic known for its hypocrisy in the U.S. When the U.S has laws such as the first amendment which states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Many people take a strong stance on the belief of censorship being unconstitutional. Following this the majority of books that are banned contain advanced

There is a book out there that talks about a topic that you do not agree with. While you may find the book offensive, others may find it inspiring or a reflection of their life. These varying points of view are what often lead to people calling for a ban of a certain book in a school or public library. This brings to light a topic that impacts all of us in one way or another, censorship in the form of book bans. This leads to a topic that can be the center of debate for many, whether or not we should allow the censorship of books, or other forms of media, in our libraries. And by censoring books, we are referring to taking them off of the shelves. Of course, many people have strong opinions on this. Coincidentally, I also have an opinion. My opinion is that we should not censor books, while making you understand why the idea of censorship in our school and public libraries goes against the fundamental values and freedoms that we hold dearly as citizens of the United States.

Book censorship today in America isn’t quite as drastic as that, but still is reflecting the same concepts. I remember in junior high school when we would have banned book week. This was where the school celebrated having the right to read censored and banned books. Written word is one of the most important aspects of free speech. In no circumstance whatsoever, should any piece of writing be censored. Writing thoughts and ideas and whatever else comes into someone’s mind has been a practice of humans ever since historians know that man existed. Telling people what they can and cannot read is an invasion of not only the reader’s rights, but the author’s as well. If someone doesn’t like what an author of a piece of literature has to say then that person has a right not to read it, or better yet form their own opinion and write about that. Book banning is and ungodly practice and the people of this world should learn from the mistakes of the past and not allow the censorship of written material. The only opposition that I can find to the censorship of books would be taking the same mindset on the topic as the Nazis did when they burned all of the Jew’s books. Trying to wipe out an entire race or group of people’s ideas and beliefs should never be done anywhere for any reason.

The American Library Association defines censorship as the removal, suppression, or restricted circulation of literary or educational materials. Censorship can be subtle, almost unseen, as well as blatant and overt, but nonetheless, harmful. The abilities to read, speak, and express ourselves freely are core values. Throughout history many different governments and people have tried to ban books for many different reasons. People attempt to ban books because the material conflicts with their own beliefs. Some people believe that a child’s parent should be the only one able to censor what a child reads. Librarians and governing bodies should maintain that parents and only parents have the right and responsibility to restrict things from their children. According to the challenges by initiator, institution, type, and year, parents challenge books more often than any other group. The subject is very controversial causing many disagreements. Some people may believe that a book is wonderful, while others believe that it’s corrupting the youth. Books are banned to protect people, mainly children, from difficult ideas and information. Nudity, drugs, religious viewpoint,

The parents of our communities tend to fall on either side of the issue, divided into pro and anti-censorship groups. The big question that everyone is asking is if a student were to open a book and read about drugs, sex, or violence will this make a child more susceptible to this kind of behavior? Our United States board of education believes so, and has installed censorship safety precautions in the literature that is available in public schools and libraries. According to the American Library Association between 1990 and 2000 6,364 challenges against books were brought to Office of Intellectual Freedom by parents, teachers, and different pro-censorship organizations. The grounds for these challenges were that the books contained sexually explicit material, offensive language, satanic references, violence, homosexuality, or promotion of a religious belief. Some books that were on this list include The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (for incessant use of the n word), The Catcher and the Rye (Depicts teenage depression, prostitution and use of the f word) and Go Ask Alice (Instances of Drug Use, sex, and suicide. People that are pro censorship argue that no books are being banned. That, in fact, you can buy those same books in many bookstores or other places. They argue that is their right, as taxpayers to decide what their children should have

    In the article for banned books, that I found on the internet, the page explains what a librarian's, perspective is on banning books. Sharon Coatney is a librarian at a small high school. She says that the books or library was literally in a cage, so the students had very little access to the books. Coatney tells us that, “libraries have specific policies that are followed in selecting books for inclusion in the collection”. This means that the school library are not banning books, but they are selecting specific books that “supports the curriculum”, and that is “age appropriate”. Her job, as a librarian, is to “select”, and not “censor”. Lastly, she says that the hardest part of her job, is to “constantly keep in balance all viewpoints, not push my own agenda and remember that the education and safety of all students is my top priority”. She

How can the government think it is right to violate our first amendment? If a certain content offends a person, then he/she should simply not read them. Censorship on banned books is not only to restrict, but to prevent a content from offending people. It is unnecessary to deny all access to those

Much controversy has risen from this topic, but schools should be allowed to ban books in libraries for students. Authorities have begun to ban books ever since they have begun to be written. Claire Mullally in “Banned Books”, states that in England, during the 1500’s, Henry VIII required all manuscripts to be sent to the church before publishing; in 1529, he also outlawed all imported books. The reason for this proclamation was not due to the lack of indecency in the writing; it was because it was illegal for the ideas presented in the book to contradict the Catholic Church. Back then, books were banned simply because the people in

The American Library Association promotes the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one's opinions even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular, and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those viewpoints to all who wish to read them. Free thought and expression are rights protected by the first amendment of the United States constitution however there are people that continue to fight to censor and ban materials that they find offensive. Banning books robs people from learning and forming their own opinions people who challenge books usually have good intentions claiming that they want to protect children from suggestive content, dangerous opinions and profanity. The Office of Intellectual Freedom reports the top three reasons for books to be challenged are that material is sexually explicit, contains offensive language or is unsuitable to any age group. Although we need to be aware of what we choose to expose our children and ourselves to banning and censoring does more harm than good. It is wrong to ban books, everyone deserves access and exposure to different perspectives so that they can expand their thinking and form their own opinions.

Think back to when you were in high school, do you remember that one book you read that really opened your eyes? Well the sad reality is that somewhere in the world that favorite book you read is either banned or challenged in a library. So it sits locked away never to open the eyes of another or help educate them further on its contents. Books should not be banned in libraries. We have the freedom of speech, so why take away or censor our freedom to simply read and consume literature?

Books have many life lessons that are useful, themes that are valuable, and morals that should be kept. First off, “Libraries, to me, are safe spaces, and if young readers can’t explore the themes in my book there, where can they?” (Strum, “Banning Books¨ ). Libraries are supposed to be a place

Dear local newspaper, I, Hayden Groth think that the censorship in the Sheyenne High library should not be removed because people enjoy reading some of those books. Also I think that most of the students at Sheyenne are mature enough, so they can take the book seriously and not as a joke. I think that those books, movies and magazines shouldn't be taken away because a select number of people don't like those types of reading subjects. The Unites States Supreme Court made certain guidelines to what libraries can and can't have in the libraries, so they obviously don't have anything that they shouldn't.

The subject of censorship is a very controversial one, especially the banning of books. Many people believe they must protect themselves and others from the "evils" of many classic books and works of art because they can be deemed "indecent" in one way or another. Many believe that this is absurd and censorship in its current form is a violation of our First Amendment right to free speech. Personally, I align myself with the latter, however I do feel there are occasions where censorship is justifiable.

Some people may think that it is reasonable for materials in the library to be banned because they contain information that some people are against or disagree with.

Books are not becoming banned because the authorities want to protect the public from certain beliefs, violence or language. Books are becoming banned because those books contain something in them that a higher authority, such as the government, doesn’t want released to the public. It is for the good of the people to have higher authorities agree to a more diverse selection of books open to the public. Censorship is something that the government and institutions created to deny access to something, whether it be a book or video game or music. It contains a message that isn’t meant to be heard.