Should book banning in schools continue?

Question

Are you against or in favor of book bans?

Answer 1

am against book banning in schools unless the material is truly inappropriate for the age group. Students should have the chance to read books that show many different ideas, cultures, and experiences. Reading widely helps them think critically and understand the world better. Instead of banning books, schools should guide students to choose material that is right for their level and talk through challenging topics when they come up.

Answer 2

Most people hold that there should be some kind of control over what information is made available to and what is withheld from certain groups of people, especially children. This is only reasonable, as a virtuous people would not wish to have their children exposed to information that might be damaging to their characters or lead to societal harm.

The problem is that people differ severely on what they hold to be wrong or potentially harmful materials. Ultimately, schools and school libraries are services provided to families with children and do so at the pleasure of the parents who entrust their children to these schools. It is difficult to achieve perfect consensus among parents on all topics. However, a good starting place may be to avoid any text that a majority of parents with attending children positively oppose. The process could be refined from there.

Answer 3

Johannes Gutenberg's printing press played a crucial role in the western Age of Enlightenment that began around the 17th century. Reading the thoughts, feelings, experiences, knowledge, and wisdom of others lightens our burdens in the struggle for life... if we ban books, for whatever reasons, we may as well ban music, art, and everything else for the same. An open and inquisitive mind, curiosity, and access to all information are key pathways to learning and progress; banning access to books takes us back into the dark ages.

Answer 4

Before answering your question or giving an opinion; what's the banning reason of each individual book? They're not banning books from public libraries, only in school libraries. Also, school library books should be age appropriate (minus sex educational books) and kept in a protected area. Students can still get ANY book of their chosen from outside public libraries (still free) and that choice falls upon the parent(s). All non-fiction books in a school library should have true events and/or stories. Authors are only allowed to fib-around when writing fiction. I am for the ban on books within a school setting (ages 17 and below).

Answer 5

Books should not be banned in schools or in libraries. As a published author of fiction and former high school English teacher, I believe deeply that books and ideas can change everyone's lives for the better by expanding minds, challenging prejudices, and imparting empathy. Reading decisions should be in the hands of readers and professional guides like teachers and librarians, not grandstanding politicians. Some of my favorite banned books include Lucky by Alice Sebold and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.

Answer 6

While there are compelling arguments for both sides, I personally am against book banning. This belief of mine stems mainly from the idea that book banning limits access to adverse opinions while also stifling academic freedom.