Authors Walk Out of School After Censorship on Book Banning

UPDATE: Authors Joanna Ho and Caroline Kusin-Pritchard abruptly left Country Club Elementary School shortly before their scheduled presentation on October 17, 2023, following a request from the San Ramon Valley Unified School District to censor discussions on book banning. This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding censorship in schools.

The authors were visiting the Bay Area as part of a tour promoting their book, “The Day the Books Disappeared,” which tackles the critical issue of book banning. Upon arrival, the principal asked them to avoid discussing the book’s themes related to censorship, specifically focusing on book banning—a topic they intended to address due to its relevance in today’s educational landscape.

Kusin-Pritchard voiced her frustration, stating, “Book banning is real, it’s happening everywhere, it’s happening in California.” Ho echoed this sentiment, asserting that altering their presentation would compromise their integrity. The authors chose to exit the event rather than modify their message, sending a clear signal about the importance of discussing uncomfortable topics in education.

In an official statement, the San Ramon Valley Unified School District explained their concerns stemmed from the presentation’s suitability for younger students, particularly those in transitional kindergarten to third grade, ages 4 to 9. They expressed that the focus on book banning overshadowed the book’s intended messages of kindness, empathy, and understanding, which they deemed more appropriate for the developmental level of the youngest attendees.

The district had previously requested adjustments to the presentation through the organization coordinating author visits, but when no response was received, they decided to address the authors directly upon their arrival. The decision to leave rather than compromise their message underscores the authors’ commitment to raising awareness about the implications of book censorship.

Despite the district’s worries, Kusin-Pritchard noted that they have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from thousands of students nationwide, who engaged with the book’s themes and expressed powerful insights. Ho emphasized the necessity of discussing the reasons behind book banning, including uncomfortable historical truths and diverse family structures, to foster awareness and intentionality within communities.

As this situation unfolds, the implications for discussions surrounding educational content and censorship in schools remain significant. The authors’ decision to walk out serves as a rallying cry for advocates of free expression in literature and education.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as it continues to resonate within the broader conversation about educational freedom and censorship.