Marshall University does not ban books! The information is provided to let people know what has been banned/challenged elsewhere.
2021
After some parental complaints about the maturity of language and sexual content in some 7th grade reading club selections, a teacher at the Signal Mountain (TN) Middle-High School contacted parents to inform them that she was removing All American Boys and Monster from the reading list. Both books feature protagonists who are Black and address police violence and racial discrimination. While remarking on the value of each title, the teacher encouraged parents to choose other books. In a follow-up statement, the principal indicated that the books were high school reading materials, not 7th grade, and affirmed the school’s commitment to diversity. Also removed from the reading list was My Sister’s Keeper. The 2004 novel follows the story of 13-year-old Anna Fitzgerald, who sues her parents when she discovers she is supposed to donate a kidney to her dying older sister.
2019
This New York Times bestselling novel about an incarcerated teen awaiting trial was challenged for “language, violence, and sexual overtures” and deemed inappropriate for 8th and 9th-graders at Gates Middle School (Scituate, MA). After meeting with parents, school administrators decided to remove it from the curriculum. Despite strong protest at a public meeting, the ban remained in effect.
On These Pages
A Banned book has been removed from a library, classroom, etc.
A Challenged book has been requested to be removed from a library, classroom, etc.
For additional information contact
Ron Titus, titus@marshall.edu
304-696-6575
Last updated
September 13, 2021