Banned Books: A Conversation on Free Expression
Edwidge Danticat, a Haitian-American author, felt a mix of pride and alarm when her children’s book, “Mama’s Nightingale,” was banned in a local school district. The story, about a young Haitian girl whose mother is detained as an undocumented immigrant, seemed harmless to her. Danticat said, “I’m a child of dictatorship—I’ve seen people bury their books to stay safe.” She understands the power words can hold.
On March 30, she shared her thoughts at Brown University with fellow author Lauren Groff. Their talk focused on writing and censorship, part of the university’s Discovery Through Dialogue project, aimed at fostering deep discussions among students and the community.
Matthew Guterl, who moderated the event, highlighted alarming statistics. According to PEN America, there have been nearly 23,000 documented instances of book bans or restrictions in U.S. public schools since 2021. What started with parental pushback at school board meetings has escalated into a widespread effort to control what children read. Guterl called this a troubling normalization of censorship.
Danticat expressed deep concern about the implications of removing books from schools. She pointed to specific cases in Florida, where it appeared easy for anyone to challenge a book, even if they hadn’t read it. “People could complain and potentially ban books just because they didn’t like the title or author, often misspelling them,” she remarked. This gives a small number of individuals unnecessary power over what children can access.
The discussion also touched on how some texts, especially those addressing difficult subjects like sexual violence, face increased scrutiny. Danticat believes that banning such books limits important conversations.
In today’s climate, it’s crucial to consider the broader implications of censorship. Books offer insights into diverse experiences and foster understanding. Danticat’s story underlines the importance of protecting free expression and the role it plays in education.
For further reading on the topic of book bans and freedom of expression, check out PEN America’s report.
