Rising Book Bans in the U.S.: Faculty and Students Stand Up for Literature Rights
Amidst a cloudless sky and the blaring horns of a practicing brass ensemble, the Northern Kentucky University (NKU) faculty and students gathered to defend literature rights in the face of rising book bans in the United States. Organized as part of the national Banned Books Week, the Banned Books Readout held on October 3rd at NKU aimed to shed light on the importance of unrestricted access to literature.
Speakers took turns reciting passages from books that have been banned or challenged at some point in their publication history in the U.S. In a powerful display of literary resistance, attendees shared excerpts from renowned classics like To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Beloved by Toni Morrison, Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Amidst these notable works, College of Informatics Dean Kevin Kirby chose to read from William S. Burroughs’ surrealist novel Naked Lunch. Kirby described the book as having been banned before and considered repulsive and offensive enough to face potential banning again. He emphasized the importance of books as a means of human expression, even when they challenge societal norms and make some individuals uncomfortable. Kirby passionately stated, It’s even more important when people have the courage to share things that other people feel uncomfortable with and other people want to ban.
Attempts to censor books have seen a staggering 20% increase in the U.S. this year compared to 2022, according to the American Library Association. Most of the challenged and banned books revolve around topics such as gender identity, sexuality, and racial justice. Many of these books are written by LGBTQ+ authors and people of color. Supporters of censorship often argue that they want to protect children from sexually explicit material and uphold parental rights regarding their children’s reading choices.
English professor Kristine Yohe, specializing in Black literature, voiced her concerns over the growing book banning efforts. She pointed out that such actions are not in line with the principles of a democracy. It’s happening more and more, and many of us feel like it’s not democratic. It’s not something that a democracy should be doing, Yohe stated. While she respects parents’ right to decide what their own children read, she firmly believes that banning literature for everyone else is unjustifiable.
At the Banned Books Readout, NKU students flocked to the plaza, seeking refuge in the shade of seating areas and trees. Some took to the podium to read from controversial works like Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita and Malinda Lo’s Last Night at the Telegraph Club. Others sat back, listening attentively as part of an assignment for their English class.
One student, Chloe, shared her perspective on banned books, acknowledging that while some may be deemed unacceptable by certain individuals, banning them is not the solution. She expressed her belief that there is much to be learned from these books, despite their controversial nature.
Professor Yohe highlighted the positive response from students when they are exposed to challenging books such as Beloved. She emphasized that authors like Toni Morrison fearlessly tackle difficult topics that are an undeniable part of life, resonating deeply with readers.
While the number of challenges to reading materials in Kentucky libraries has tripled since 2022, with 70 titles currently facing restrictions, Maia Kobabe’s graphic memoir Gender Queer remains the most widely challenged book in both Kentucky and the nation, as reported by the American Library Association.
Yohe remains hopeful that universities will continue to uphold academic freedom and teach literary works of significance, even amidst the alarming increase in censorship across the country. She shared an inspiring quote from Toni Morrison when asked about the difficulties of writing Beloved, a novel that depicts slavery, sexuality, and violence: If they can live it, I could write it. Yohe reinforces this sentiment with her students, stating, If they can live it, and she can write it, we can read it.
The Banned Books Readout at NKU serves as a powerful testament to the significance of literature and its ability to challenge social norms, spark vital conversations, and foster understanding. As the fight against book bans continues, advocates aim to ensure that diverse voices and perspectives remain accessible to all, promoting a more inclusive and enlightened society.
