D-01 - Banned Books Week and Censorship in Literature

Our chapter's Banned Book Week centered on getting the word out about book bans and addressing the concerning trend of censorship in schools. We held daily sessions in which a Sigma Tau Delta Student Leader or English department faculty member would read a passage from a banned book of their choice, and lead a small discussion on the reasons for the ban. These could range from mentions of critical race theory, to LGBTQ issues or alleged “sexually explicit content." Attendees were encouraged to ask questions and share their own opinions about the books. These events all took place on the patio outside the Humanities building so that the event would also attract passersby.

Another part of the chapter’s Banned Books Week was a display in the school library, featuring actual banned books and the reasons for which they had been banned. The display also featured information from the American Library Association about who is enacting these bans and where they are most prevalent. Students also had the opportunity to take some free bookmarks and stickers that promote the reading and discussion of banned books. We believe that the greatest way to combat this kind of censorship is to keep spreading awareness and having open conversations about “controversial” literature, so that everyone can learn from a book instead of casting them aside.

Some of the books featured in the library display case were quite well known: To Kill a Mockingbird, 1984, and Hop on Pop have all been challenged or banned.