The ever prevailing issue of censorship in schools has taken a rapid increase in the past couple of years. Usually, censorship is associated with authoritarian and communistic countries, rather than those with deeply rooted democratic beliefs, however the US has faced numerous cases of it recently, especially in schools. When students were asked about their knowledge of censorship and what they associate it with, most replied with anything along the lines of freedom of speech and expression being restricted, as well as the banning of books. A junior at HHS, Kelsi Henning, responded, “I usually relate censorship with countries like North Korea since its the restriction of media, literature and/or any form of self expression by a government.” While students may have recognition of censorship, it’s doubtful that they, and many others, understand the full effect of it in the United States and how it pertains to the generation in high school now.
Schools across the country have limited the freedom of expression through the banning of books and the lack of classroom discussions relating to certain subjects. While many schools do this in the name of protecting students and avoiding controversy, it has resulted in students being denied accurate education and the prevention of discussions on the past, present, and future. Schools in Iowa, Florida, and Texas have recently had high numbers of book bands and challenged books, reasons being anything from race, sexuality, gun-violence, drug use, and sexual assault. Usually specific state laws promote censorship resulting in more challenged titles like The Perks of Being a Wildflower by Stephen Chbosky, Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, as well as many other popular titles.
While Hingham High School does not place extreme limits on books, there are certain novels that students would like to see added to the school curriculum. Sophomore Charlotte Gregory said, “I would love to read the Handmaid’s Tale and The Bell Jar in school!” Neither the dystopian nor the autobiographical novel that she mentioned are often seen in high school curriculums. Libraries and classrooms have removed famous works like The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger as well as Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck for profanity and sexual themes, despite their importance in education.
Recently, books about LGBTQ+ have been targeted like Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe and All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson. The controversy behind banning these books stem from one side believing they protect minors from inappropriate content, while the other believes it limits the intellectual freedom of the students as well as dismissing marginalized groups.
There is also censorship surrounding dress codes and symbols on clothing, however the line that is walked is a fine one between suppressing self expression and maintaining order and peace on the school campus. While offensive and political messages have been consistently prohibited in dress codes, political slogan apparel that represents the wearer’s beliefs on, for example, war or social conflicts, is a harder discussion, as it directly opposes the first amendment right to freedom of speech and expression. Classroom discussion is also controlled and influenced by state government, confining teachers to certain topics of argument, while dismissing one’s on systemic racism, American politics and history, marginalized groups, and sexuality. Critical conversations where students are allowed to express their opinions and learn from others in a supervised environment are avoided, which ultimately narrows the students’ perspectives and world-views. Other topics, which aren’t necessarily prohibited due to censorship, but more in a taboo type of way, are religion, mental health/suicide, and current conflicts. These are treated with caution, usually avoided to comfort the teacher or advisor rather than discussed in order to help understand and uplift one another.
Censorship in U.S. schools is a difficult ground, however it’s important for both students and educators alike to voice their opinions and advocate for more open discussions. Every voice should be heard, and by denying access and opportunities, the very people who schools “claim” they want to help, are silenced. If students are expected to face the real world by the time they are eighteen, it’s better for them to be prepared with the confidence to challenge the norm and the ability to navigate the world, in all its shame and glory.
