5 days ago
‘An issue of democracy': Activists against book bans hold panel discussion in Rochester
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Across the nation, schools and libraries are opting to ban books in response to community feedback on the subject matter they portray. Those in support of these bans argue it's a necessary step in protecting young children and families.
Local community members against book bans came together Wednesday evening for a discussion at St. John Fisher University, during which a panel of literature experts spoke on why they believe book bans are harmful to society.
Associate Professor of English at SUNY Brockport Cody Miller was on the panel and explained why he believes this discussion to be important now more than ever.
'Access to books through both public libraries and public schools is inherently an issue of democracy,' Miller said. 'When we limit access to books and information, you can't be a well-informed, well-rounded citizen to then participate in the democracy at large.'
West Irondequoit School Board Member Tamara Wall, Henrietta Library Director Adrienne Pettinelli and Churchville-Chili student and activist Jaise Newman were also on the panel. Newman says the discussion of book bans is personal to him.
'There's a lot of books that I really love and have done important things for me,' Newman said. 'It's a little scary to hear that books that I love, my friends love or even my English teachers love are at risk of being banned.'
Some of the sub-topics discussed by the panel include censorship, autonomy, diversity and inclusion. Event organizers also summarized how they believe book bans have impacted culture in Rochester since the 1950s.
Newman and Miller share the perspective of books continuing to hold heavy influence in the way we function as a society, especially when it comes to policy-making.
'I think everybody's read something that's really connected with them, and people see the power books have and that they can impact students and young people,' Newman said.
The panel also discussed New York Senate Bill S6350B, which is in Assembly review. If passed, it would implement 'The Freedom to Read Act', requiring the Commissioner of Education, school systems and libraries to establish policies to adhere to when selecting and removing books from shelves statewide.
The full Senate bill can be found here.
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