What is being called ‘book banning’ is most often the restriction of some material based on the age of the student, something child psychologists (and parents – but who cares what they think?!) have always supported. If anyone were to outright ban a book, meaning it would not be allowed to be included in the library collection in any form, that would be a problem. But to say that explicit depictions of sex acts (of any kind) are not appropriate for the developmental level of 6, 8 or even 10 year olds, is NOT a ban; it is simply good understanding of what children need.
Lost in this debate is that we are talking about public funds and how they are spent. All libraries have limited budgets and must choose carefully which materials to buy. The book selection policy, particularly in public schools must be carefully drafted so that funds are spent to support curriculum goals and reflect community values.
The debate about books containing sexually explicit content or indeed violent or psychologically manipulative content needs to be refocused. Books not selected are not “banned” they merely reflect the choice by whomever selects them, hopefully based on objective standards that everyone can understand.
I would ask what books are NOT being selected when books whose purpose is clearly to appeal to prurient interest ARE selected. What is the school library budget and what percentage is spent on these books.
Really? Name ONE book BANNED because of its depiction of “diversity and inclusion content.”
What is being called ‘book banning’ is most often the restriction of some material based on the age of the student, something child psychologists (and parents – but who cares what they think?!) have always supported. If anyone were to outright ban a book, meaning it would not be allowed to be included in the library collection in any form, that would be a problem. But to say that explicit depictions of sex acts (of any kind) are not appropriate for the developmental level of 6, 8 or even 10 year olds, is NOT a ban; it is simply good understanding of what children need.
Lost in this debate is that we are talking about public funds and how they are spent. All libraries have limited budgets and must choose carefully which materials to buy. The book selection policy, particularly in public schools must be carefully drafted so that funds are spent to support curriculum goals and reflect community values.
The debate about books containing sexually explicit content or indeed violent or psychologically manipulative content needs to be refocused. Books not selected are not “banned” they merely reflect the choice by whomever selects them, hopefully based on objective standards that everyone can understand.
I would ask what books are NOT being selected when books whose purpose is clearly to appeal to prurient interest ARE selected. What is the school library budget and what percentage is spent on these books.