By Danielle Gentry
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Book bans in K-12 schools have become contentious issues across the United States, igniting debates over censorship, academic freedom, and parental rights. In Maryland, recent efforts to challenge book bans in school libraries have raised concerns about the impact on students’ access to diverse perspectives.
Despite the passage of Maryland’s Freedom to Read Act in 2023, which aimed to prevent book censorship in libraries, some educators and librarians say schools still face pressure to remove controversial titles. Books discussing race, gender, and LGBTQ+ identities are among the most frequently challenged, raising questions about how schools navigate these disputes.
According to the Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL), the number of book challenges in Maryland schools has increased recently. While no formal challenges were reported in 2020, eight book challenges were recorded across various districts in 2023.
School librarians report growing concerns over self-censorship, with some choosing not to purchase specific books to avoid potential controversy. A 2023 survey conducted by MASL found that 57% of school librarians said book bans had made their jobs more restrictive, while 42% said their well-being was affected due to the fear of backlash.
Joyce Garczynski, assistant university librarian for communication and digital scholarship at Towson University, emphasized that book bans affect students’ intellectual growth by limiting their exposure to different perspectives.
“It’s a tragedy not to provide students with access to information,” Garczynski said. “Books serve as both mirrors and windows—mirrors for students to see themselves reflected and windows to understand the experiences of others. By removing these stories, we are hurting students and limiting their understanding of the world.”
The debate over book bans often centers on parents’ rights to decide what their children are exposed to. Kit Hart, chair of Moms for Liberty Carroll County, argued that these challenges are not about censorship but ensuring school-age-appropriate content.
“No book has been banned,” Hart said. “Parents have the right to question the academic relevance of books in their child’s library. The only books we’ve asked to be reconsidered contained sexually explicit material. Parents who want their child to access such content can do so at public libraries or bookstores.”
Meanwhile, Leslie Weber, president of the PTA Council of Baltimore County, pointed to the National PTA’s resolution, which opposes restricting school access to books.
“The National PTA believes that all students benefit from access to diverse ideas and representation in books and media,” Weber said. “These materials help students create connections, learn about different experiences, and develop critical thinking skills.”
As book bans spark debate, Maryland schools must navigate the fine line between respecting parental concerns and ensuring students access diverse literature. While advocacy groups push for more oversight of school library materials, educators and librarians remain committed to protecting students’ reading rights.
Garczynski emphasized the importance of community support in opposing censorship.
“Book challenges don’t just impact schools; they shape the future of education,” she said. “Preserving access to information is crucial for fostering an informed and inclusive society.”
Intellectual freedom and parental input remain at the forefront of educational policy discussions. How will Maryland schools balance them in the coming years?