[mldavis2]

For most 'serious' readers, literature is a form of art. The value of art, in part, is to get the observer/reader to expand perspective, learn alternate viewpoints and facts, and force additional thought leading to a deeper understanding of the subject at hand. Censure is counterproductive from an artistic viewpoint. It is a form of control. We tend to want to censor or control things that we don't understand, things that we fear, or things that make us uncomfortable. - sex, homosexuality, racial or religion bias, street language.

As an adult, I will read most anything, provided it is either labeled as fiction, or adequately researched as fact. Some factual information is arguably inappropriate for youth. Some factual information runs counter to desired beliefs and biases that parents wish to maintain with their offspring. The real problem lies in the wide range of maturity among our children, combined with the wide range of education of their parents. What may be appropriate for one youth may be too 'advanced' for another. What may pass muster, ethically, religiously, morally for one parent may be beyond the experience or acceptability of another parent.

Sadly, what happens is that educators are often forced, in a public school environment, to 'dumb down' to the lowest common denominator. Thus, we have restrictions imposed by an elected school board made up of a non-representative sample of parents, or the bias of a single librarian or school official. Such is politics in rural America. It's not always right, but the only way to change it is to vote and/or write letters voicing your objection and viewpoint. Many of the most highly conservative schools are in small towns where control can be maintained by a small but vocal minority.

Not knowing the reasons given for the censure, it is difficult to criticize the decision. But it would be a total failure of the school district not to announce the censure, give reasons, and list the books banned for the reasons given. More open-minded parents could then review the reading material and determine if they wanted to acquire copies for their children in the interests of a well-rounded education. Reasons for censorship are excellent springboards for healthy discussion.