The issues of book banning in schools and libraries in New Jersey and across the country has become increasingly prevalent, especially for controversial topics like race, gender and sexual preference. PEN America’s report, “Banned in the USA,” found more than 2,500 instances of books being banned from public schools during the 2021-22 school year, affecting nearly 4 million students.
Book advocates say ultimately it’s the parent’s decision if they want their child to read a particular book, but as the law protects the freedom to read, everyone should respect the right for any book to remain on a shelf.
“I think it’s really important for people to understand is just how unprecedented this is. We do not normally see in the United States lists of books being removed from book libraries in droves,” said Jonathan Friedman, director of free expression and education programs at PEN America.
Martha Hickson, librarian at North Hunterdon High School in Annandale, said, “If there’s a book that does not suit your purposes or for some reason it offends you … you can just close it and put it back on the shelf. Your refusal or lack of desire to read a book does not give you the right to restrict others from reading it.”
