Once focused on standardized test scores and fundraising, school districts nationwide have rapidly shifted their concerns from routine academic challenges to escalating debates over curriculum changes. Censorship in education has lodged itself into America’s political and academic landscapes, presenting new issues for teachers and students alike. 

Book bans are a significant component in these growing controversies. In the 2023 to 2024 school year alone, over 10,000 books were banned across all public schools in the United States according to PEN, America’s Index of School Book Bans. States such as Texas and Florida have played particularly prominent roles in this trend, enacting multiple policies that resulted in extensive removals of books and stricter curriculum regulations. 

If a group or individual finds a book inappropriate for young readers, they can challenge it, or make their case for why they believe this with the organization responsible for keeping the book in circulation. Then, if the organization deems the book unfit, it is banned. Leading reasons for book banning over past years include offensive language, sexual content, LGBTQIA+ content, violence and racism. 

Educators throughout the United States have voiced their concerns regarding the new restrictions on course content, fearing that with a reduction in variety comes a decline in the representation of diverse cultural, racial and social groups. Many fear that, as a result, students will have limited opportunities to explore perspectives beyond their own.

Communications High School (CHS) senior Hannah Hewitson of Wall Township recently wrote a research paper about the impact of book bans and censorship. She feels this restriction on educational content violates her First Amendment rights.

“The library has no demographic, so not allowing certain books in it because someone doesn’t agree with its themes is ridiculous,” said Hewitson.

Hewitson’s paper reveals that the majority of frequently banned books discuss sexuality, violence or critique of government institutions. These books are often the ones that are most important for students to read because they help us understand the world around us and how we can make it better.”

“Of course, the demographics still need to make sense. Adult books shouldn’t be in elementary school libraries, but typically that is not the situation when it comes to school book bans,” said Hewitson.

As debates about these bans continue, it’s important to consider how changing education standards and politics influence which books are allowed in schools. Many of the books being banned tackle topics like critical race theory, gender identity and social justice, sparking heated debates about what should be taught in classrooms. With these shifting dynamics, CHS history teacher Bill Clark remains cautious about the potential consequences.

“About five years ago, we had to sit through this program [regarding course content changes],” said Clark. “ The following year we were told that we had to integrate alternatives into our curriculum.”

Clark is concerned that emphasizing certain historical aspects may compromise the accuracy of the overall curriculum. Instead of altering the course material to appeal to political ideals, Clark suggests that school districts everywhere should focus on fulfilling their responsibility to present students with reliable information. 

“It shouldn’t be forced,” said Clark. “Let’s find evidence so that we can report stuff out truthfully and not try to rewrite history.”

Today, the responsibility for fighting book bans and preserving access to literature often falls on the shoulders of students, who are often the ones most affected by these decisions.

As the debate over banned books continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: the fight to protect the freedom to read, think and learn is far from over. Whether through protests, petitions, or classroom discussions, students and educators alike are determined to preserve the right to access books that challenge, inform and inspire. 

“Students need to keep talking about the issue and push for change,” said Hewitson. “We are the ones who are directly impacted by these bans, and we are the ones who need to speak up.”