Utah Implements School Book Ban

Utah has long been known for its mountains and conservative slant, but now it seems the state is making headlines for a different reason: book bans. The state has recently banned 13 books from all public schools, a move that is stoking major controversy. Let’s dig into the crux of the issue.

The Banned List

Thirteen books, including fan-favorite “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas, have found themselves on the blacklist at schools in Utah. Other noted authors like Judy Blume, Margaret Atwood, and Ellen Hopkins also have books on the list.

Law Behind the Ban

This wave of bans stems from a new law that prohibits any books determined to be “indecent,” provided this is agreed upon by three out of Utah’s 41 school district boards. Essentially, a few districts now control the reading material for the entire state, which has raised eyebrows and accusations of antidemocratic practices. Only a member of the Utah Board of Education can appeal a book ban decision, and so far, no appeals have been lodged.

A National Trend

Utah isn’t alone in this trend. Similar actions are being taken in places like Tennessee, Idaho, and South Carolina. The U.S. as a whole is experiencing a surge in book challenges and bans in schools, as parents and officials alike raise concerns about what’s proper for students to have access to. Many argue that there is some content some children shouldn’t be able to access without parental consent, and that keeping certain books off school shelves is an important protective measure.

Available but Not Available

For those concerned about access to literature, it’s worth noting that banned books remain available in public libraries. However, critics argue that this doesn’t entirely negate the restrictive impact on young readers in schools. Organizations like PEN America have even warned that this could lead to less diverse library collections and a more homogenized curriculum.

Not Just Books

To add more layers to this already complex issue, other states, such as Idaho, are facing lawsuits challenging their own book-related laws. Idaho’s House Bill 710 is one example, criticized for, as some argue, being overly broad and infringing on First Amendment rights.

The Bigger Picture

The book ban isn’t just about protecting kids; it’s sparking a larger debate about who controls what young readers have access to. Parents? Teachers? School boards? This is a battleground, and while some see it as a necessary moral stance, others argue it’s an overreach that’s more harmful than protective.

Voices of Dissent

Margaret Atwood herself mocked Utah for banning her book “Oryx and Crake,” illustrating the global attention this local law is garnering. Some national and local community members, authors, and educators have responded critically to these actions.

Public Opinion

The law has sparked enough controversy that even organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and Utah Library Association had urged the governor to veto it. This dynamic creates a complicated landscape that affects not just Utah, but could influence policies in other states.

Some people have celebrated the move, with one mother, Corinne Johnson, who spoke to KUTV saying many of the recognizable books are “popular adult novels.” She was glad to see the content removed from schools so libraries would be “age-appropriate” and students wouldn’t be able to read them without consent from parents.

In a nutshell, the debate over book bans in Utah is far from over. Whether this law will stick or face eventual revisions, one thing’s for sure: the conversation it has ignited about reading, freedom, and education is critically important.