As the new school year begins, the ever-growing issue of book bans is a controversial topic. Whether students believe banning books is a violation of the First Amendment or they think it is beneficial, people agree that it is an important subject.
According to data from PEN America, the number of book bans increased from 3,362 in the 2022-2023 school year to 10,046 during the 2023-2024 school year; a nearly 200% increase in one year. This has caused some concern among students and teachers across the nation, and at State High.
Sophomore Renee Buda, a student at the Delta Program, is worried about the rising number of book bans.
“I don’t want information to be restricted from me. And I think when people are doing research, they should have access to all of the information. It makes it easy for certain people to take and hold on to power when there’s not a full spread of information,” Buda said.
Information can be censored through book bans. This is dangerous for students, as they are unable to access information and learn about new perspectives.
Through books, people can learn more about the world around them and develop the ability to see things from different perspectives. When a book is banned, a voice is silenced, and these perspectives are lost. Ellen Stolarski, a new librarian at State High, recognizes the importance of books on human development.
“I love the research of Rudine Sims Bishop, where she talks about how books are mirrors and windows and sliding glass doors, so we need books that represent us. We need books that reflect other people’s experiences and also books that help us grow as humans and step through and become more empathetic individuals,” Stolarski said.
Some students may think that banning books is beneficial because it allows parents to ensure that children are not exposed to subjects they believe are inappropriate. However, banning books removes books containing important topics from the reach of all students. This imposes on the students’ right to freedom of speech, a right promised in the First Amendment of the Constitution.
“I don’t think that anybody should have the right to request the book’s removal. I mean, some books may not be appropriate for certain age groups, but you can’t get rid of a book based on a personal vendetta,” Buda said.
According to the American Library Association (ALA), 2,452 different titles were challenged in 2024. Many of the books were challenged due to discussing topics such as gender identity, sexual assault and race.
Stolarski considered the authors’ goal. “They’re trying to facilitate a conversation for things that are uncomfortable. And sometimes we have to have uncomfortable conversations in structured ways. So the books kind of give us a lens,” she said.
Many organizations are fighting against book bans, including PEN America and Unite Against Book Bans. Students can get involved with these organizations through their websites.
Stolarski offered advice to students interested in the fight against book banning. “Stay informed on what trends are happening in your community, because it always starts…You need to start small before you think big,” she said. “Stay informed, and then take the information you have and figure out what the best avenue is to express your opinion.”
