By Ariana Fromm
TAMPA, Fla. — In recent years, the United States has seen an increase in book bans fueled by cultural debates over race, gender, and sexuality.
Tennessee has been at the front line of this movement, restricting access to literature that challenges the traditional norms. According to the American Library Association (ALA), 4,240 books were flagged for censorship in 2023, which is a 65% increase from 2022.
These numbers represent more than just statistics; they highlight the growth of control over what young readers can access.
This spike in book bans isn’t just about controlling a student’s access to books; it’s about guiding the perspectives that students are exposed to. By taking away books that talk about race, gender, and history, lawmakers and schools will be able to mold what the next generation learns about the world by keeping them in this bubble that society is seemingly too afraid to pop.
Besides Tennessee, Florida is another state that leads the country in book bans. A 2023 law, HB 1069, bans books that show or describe any type of sexual content and has targeted LGBTQ+ literature and books on social issues.
Meanwhile, Tennessee’s Age-Appropriate Materials Act (2022) requires schools to post a list of current library materials online and allow parents, staff, and students to give feedback and see whether or not these books should be banned from their schools. These policies reflect the effort in trying to restrict education instead of improving it.
These laws make it easier for those who want to challenge and remove certain books, and they often go after stories that put a spotlight on minority groups. The consequences of these bans go beyond limiting access to books. They also create an atmosphere of tension and intimidation for teachers, students are limited to different perspectives, and difficult but necessary conversations are not discussed. The removal of books such as The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas or Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe shows that certain stories, such as those in the minority, aren’t welcome.
As a student at The University of Tampa, which is a private institution, the influence of book bans can differ compared to the experiences in public schools. Private schools typically have more freedom in their education and library choices, which allows them to resist the societal pressures of the book ban movement. This has allowed me and others to learn in a more diverse environment where students can gain a wider range of perspectives without repercussions.
However, public schools are more prone to follow state and local regulations, causing the removal of books that address controversial topics. This difference suggests that students in public schools could miss out on works that encourage critical thinking and empathy. At UTampa, I’ve learned that the freedom to explore diverse literature can enhance your educational experience, allowing for a deeper understanding of social issues and promoting intellectual and personal growth.
I believe book bans have been used throughout history as a way to oppress. Today’s censorship seeks to control what young people learn as a way of “protecting” them. However, sheltering students from the truth doesn’t prepare them for the real world. It only shows ignorance. Defending the right to read isn’t only about books, but keeping our intellectual freedom and making sure that future generations have the right to think for themselves.
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Ban sign. Photo courtesy of Xm1702, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
