To the editor:

Claims that books are not really being banned because they are still available for purchase are incorrect.

A book ban is action taken against a book based on its content (as a result of parent challenges, administrative decisions, or in response to lawmakers) that leads to a book being removed from availability in schools or libraries.

Book bans are a form of censorship and go against the freedoms of speech and expression. It’s important to acknowledge that not everyone has the finances to purchase every book they want to read, which makes reading and education more inaccessible for people with low socioeconomic statuses. These bans also promote distrust of teachers and librarians, as they have specifically chosen books due to the educational value they hold.

Borrowing books from libraries also has many advantages, like saving money, retaining storage space and not having to pay for a book needed only for a short time.

All five states that border West Virginia have had book bans enacted in school districts. One book that has surprisingly been banned in many districts is “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl,” due to claims of inappropriate sexual content.

Furthermore, parents are not being forcibly removed from school board meetings by police on a regular basis. Folks are usually removed because they violate rules such as trespassing, resisting an officer or threatening individuals.

Many times books that involve racial slurs have been removed from required readings, not removed from libraries or school districts. Dr. Seuss’ estate made the decision to stop publishing six books due to racist stereotypes, and one of his other books was banned as the result of a Republican-backed bill in Tennessee.

“The Lorax” was attacked in 1989 by the logging industry for its anti-deforestation plot line. Ingalls Wilder also hasn’t had her book widely removed; an award she received was just renamed.

Banning books is a hallmark of totalitarianism; it is important for people to learn this so that history does not repeat.

There is nothing inherently sexual about someone being gay or transgender. It is about who people love and how they identify.

According to the Trevor Project, in 2023, 41 percent of LGBTQ young people seriously considered attempting suicide and 20 percent of transgender young people attempted suicide in the past year. Having access to books that reflect their experiences can alleviate feelings of isolation.

We do not live in a past era. We live in the 21st century, where research is available at your fingertips. We have the capability to educate ourselves. There isn’t an excuse for ignorance.

Queer people and people of color have always existed and will always exist, even if you try to deny their existence by banning books that discuss their identities and histories. People are able to expand their worldviews when they can understand lived experiences outside of their own.

Your feelings not aligning with facts does not mean that books discussing these topics should be banned.

Obviously.

Olivia Dowler

Weirton