Banned Book Week

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

2008

The Gwinnett County (GA) school board rejected a parent's pleas to take Harry Potter books out of school libraries, based on the claim they promote witchcraft. The Georgia Board of Education ruled December 14, 2006, that the parent had failed to prove her contention that the series "promote[s} the Wicca religion and therefore that the book's availability in public schools does not constitute advocacy of a religion." On May 29, 2007, Superior Court judge Ronnie Batchelor upheld the Georgia Board of Education's decision to support local school officials. County school board members have said the books are good tools to encourage children to read and to spark creativity and imagination. Removed from the St. Joseph School in Wakefield (MA) because the themes of witchcraft and sorcery were inappropriate for a Catholic school.

2007

The Gwinnett County (GA) school board rejected a parent's pleas to take Harry Potter books out of school libraries, based on the claim they promote witchcraft. The Georgia Board of Education ruled December 14, 2006, that the parent had failed to prove her contention that the series "promote[s} the Wicca religion and therefore that the book's availability in public schools does not constitute advocacy of a religion."

2004

A federal judge overturned restricted access to the Harry Potter book after parents of a Cedarville (AR) fourth-grader filed a federal lawsuit challenging restricted access to the book. The book was originally challenged because it characterized authority as "stupid" and portrayed "good witches and good magic". Challenged, but retained in the New Haven (CN) schools despite claims the series "makes witchcraft and wizardry alluring to children".

2003

Proposed for removal by teacher's prayer group at Russell Springs (KY) high school for dealing with ghosts, cults, and witchcraft. Parents of a Cedarville (AR) fourth-grader filed a federal lawsuit challenging restricted access to the book. Challenged in Moscow (Russia) by a Slavic cultural organization that alleged the stories about magic and wizards could draw students into Satanism.

2002

Challenged for encouraging lying, cheating, stealing and witchcraft. Burned in NM as "a masterpiece of satanic deception".

2001

Challenged in Bend (OR), Cedar Rapids (IA), Salamanca (NY), Whittier (CA), Pace (FL), Arab, (AL), Fresno (CA), Bristol (NH), and Ontario (Canada) for dealing in witchcraft, the occult, promoting violence and being "scary". Restricted to students with parental permission in Santa Fe (TX) for promoting witchcraft. Banned in Queensland, Australia because the book was considered violent and dangerous.

Held by Marshall University (Drinko Library, Juvenile Collection, JF R884 Hc)

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