Yes. Schools revoking books that are labeled “controversial” shields children from the truth about history and from gaining a true understanding of English, as well as hiding them from the reality and indifferences of the world, making students blind to possible views and morals that can progress into discussions and arguments, and even war. Books aren’t just literature that only a few can understand, they are knowledge and power. In a world so focused on capitalism and separation between sexes, books create new levels of consciousness, of action, and behavior. 

   They bring to light the undesirable possibilities of what can happen if society continues in its current form, and prevent students from living in ignorance. I understand that creating a pleasant environment for students is a top priority for schools, but when a student is advancing grade levels, their English curriculum should gradually intensify and become less guided by rules. It isn’t necessarily about the book itself, but the substance and meaning behind the text that many choose to ignore and ban. 

   The books being banned are the ones that, in reality, should be gaining more attention, such as To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas. Erasing this genre of “controversial” books only shelters students and causes them to lack awareness and empathy regarding societal struggles that individuals face day to day . It may be difficult to digest something the stomach isn’t used to, but even literary works like Othello, which talks about racism and normalizes racial slurs, should be brought to discussion; we can not pick and choose.