Across the nation, censorship is becoming increasingly common in schools. In the 2024-2025 year, PEN America recorded 6,870 instances of book bans.
Lawmakers and parent organizations insist that removing books and restricting courses is not “censorship,” but simply a matter of protecting parental rights.
Classic and contemporary texts, such as “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “1984,” and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” continue to be commonly pulled from classrooms. Not only are books being pulled, but courses like AP Psychology are also becoming banned classes in states like Florida in 2023. When access to ideas becomes limited, censorship is exactly what is happening.
The books that are typically challenged in schools are often not controversial because they are harmful, but because they touch on controversial topics.
“Books are the best way to learn about these controversial topics,” said English teacher Anne LaGrand.
“1984,” written by George Orwell, warns readers about authoritarianism and the manipulation of truth, while, ironically, those very themes make it uncomfortable and threatening to those in power.
“The Handmaid’s Tale” confronts gender oppression and the loss of bodily autonomy, topics that are especially relevant in today’s political climate. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” addresses mental health trauma and identity.
“It is subject to parental choice, so if a parent sees a book that they object to, they should have a conversation about that, but these are the best ways to engage in civil discussions,” LaGrand says.
Opponents of book banning argue that labelling these books as “inappropriate” avoids the real reason that lawmakers and parents are choosing to target them: they challenge dominant narratives.
However, parent organizations like Moms for Liberty argue that parents get the last word on whether a book should be in their child’s hands.
The censorship pattern extends far beyond book banning. The last few years have also shown several instances of curriculum censorship. Florida’s restrictions on AP Psychology demonstrate how censorship can occur without explicitly using the word “ban”.
Due to the course discussing gender identity and sexuality, schools were forced to remove it or heavily modify the curriculum.
“Its restricting information and perspectives that are helpful for student to consider.” said AP Psychology teacher Bill Strickland, ”There is always a judgment call as to how many perspectives, how many points of view one wants to consider, and there’s a finite time in the classroom but there are too many reasonable scientifically supported view points that are being precluded.”
Supporters of these policies argue that restricting certain materials help protect students from content they deem inappropriate. They maintain that schools have a priority to prioritize student well-being and to ensure what’s taught in schools aligns with community values.
Critics however, raise concern that limiting access to certain ideas may restrict students’ exposure to complex or controversial topics. They argue that avoiding this kind of material can reduce student readiness for critical thinking and understanding of real-world issues.
