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An investigation of access to representative literature in contemporary education: tracing the issue of book banning in America and evaluating its impact on BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities
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Sullivan, Patricia, Coughlin, April
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Spring 2025
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2025-05
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Luby_Honors.pdf
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This thesis explores the growing phenomenon of book banning in the United States, with a focus on its disproportionate impact on BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and marginalized communities. Through an analysis of contemporary education systems and their sociopolitical dynamics, this study examines how efforts to restrict access to representative literature perpetuate systemic inequities, diminish educational equality, and erode intellectual freedoms. Drawing on historical and current data, this research highlights the rise in censorship activities, particularly targeting literature that amplifies counter-narratives—stories that challenge dominant cultural norms by presenting diverse perspectives. These bans have been found to put the mental well-being and social-emotional development of K-12 students at risk by depriving them of materials that validate and empower their identities while fostering critical thinking and empathy. This work advocates for the integration of diverse literature into public schools and libraries as an essential component of fostering educational equity and social justice. Key Words: Education, Book Banning, Censorship, Culturally Responsive Teaching, BIPOC Representation (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), LGBTQIA+ Youth (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and "+" for other gender and sexual identities not explicitly mentioned in the acronym, such as pansexual or genderfluid), Marginalized voices, Counter narratives, Diverse literature, Identity affirmation, Inclusive education, Critical pedagogy, Age-appropriate vs. censorship, Social-emotional learning, Teacher decision-making, Curriculum politics, Island Trees v. Pico, Educational law, First Amendment rights, School board authority, Constitutional interpretation, Community values vs. legal rights
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