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Freedom Flare Up

“There is more than one way to burn a book. And the world is full of people running about with lit matches,” Ray Bradbury once said in his 1953 book, “Fahrenheit 451.” His words were prescient. Efforts to ban books are on the rise in the United States with over 147 proposed bills that aim to restrict books and around 700 attempts in Illinois this year. This year, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill making Illinois the first state in the nation to outlaw book bans. Yet, they persist.
Freedom Flare Up
Lab classroom, library practice freedom of expression

This in-depth package was edited by Audrey Park

There were 67 attempts to ban books in Illinois in 2022 alone, according to the Chicago-based American Library Association. Many targeted books include identities and themes from the LGBTQ+ community and communities of color.

But within the Laboratory Schools, students have access to commonly challenged books in the high school library and even in the classroom. In English classes, students do more than just read these books. They often partake in discussions about their complex themes, requesting students to think and reflect on deeper levels.

English teacher Christine Himmelfarb teaches “Passing” by Nella Larsen, which contains a racial slur and depictions of sexual assault. Ms. Himmelfarb said she believes her discussions around the book build student engagement.

“The classroom is a great place to have these discussions because it’s both not about us, and it is about us,” Ms. Himmelfarb said. “In life, we hold our opinions and keep them to ourselves when we get the sense that no one is in agreement, but the classroom doesn’t really let you hide in that way. It’s like a safe place to not be safe.”

Ms. Himmelfarb said as an English teacher, she chooses books that she believes contain educational value, and that discussing those as a class can benefit students outside of the classroom.

“I would never pick a book because it’s controversial or because it exposes students to really difficult things,” Ms. Himmelfarb said. “But I would argue that if you can’t talk about these subjects in these fictional contexts, are you going to ever be able to talk to them in the real world, when it even counts more?”

Expressing similar ideas to Ms. Himmelfarb, English teacher Rachel Nielsen said, “Nobody is teaching a book because it’s banned. We pick things because we believe there’s something of literary merit and there’s something with the characters’ experiences that’s enriching.”

Ms. Nielsen teaches “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros, categorized by the ALA as a “Frequently Challenged Book with Diverse Content.” No matter how difficult they might be to grasp, Ms. Nielsen said she believes these books are designed to provide readers with new perspectives.

“We try to find ourselves connecting to characters and seeing our own story reflected,” Ms. Nielsen said. “Avoiding that is insulting to students and the complexity of their lives.”

Senior Marlena Leuz read the graphic memoir “Fun Home” by Alison Bechdel, also commonly challenged and banned, for an English class. Marlena said her in-class discussions were positive spaces for understanding content. 

“These books are written for a reason,” Marlena said, “and by allowing the space to read them, we can look at different perspectives than our own. The way we talked about the more uncomfortable parts of ‘Fun Home’ made it less awkward because those parts are just as important to the book. By processing them, we got more out of the story.”

Marlena said she feels the ability for classes to explore and discuss these books is an example of the emphasis Lab places on inclusion and belonging.

“It shows that Lab is a space that allows for this diversity and encourages talking about the more ‘taboo’ subjects,” Marlena said. “It allows us to get more out of the community itself as well. Having been at Lab for a really long time, even in lower school, banned books were a topic we talked about. It reflects our values of trying to create an open environment.” 

Laboratory Schools Director Tori Jueds said she agrees with the idea of an educational aspect to teaching books that require tougher moments of discourse for students.

“Whether the subject matter is controversial or well accepted, it’s about building and exercising all of the muscles that are needed by a true scholar,” Ms. Jueds said. “It’s about how to be flexible in one’s thinking, and how to be open to new ideas. In a way, it’s about personal and intellectual resilience, too.”

Librarians fight for freedom of expression

With surge in book bans, some see a large threat.

“Fahrenheit 451.” “Wuthering Heights.” “Twilight.” For weeks now, several of the Laboratory Schools libraries have featured these commonly banned books, among many more, to raise awareness about book banning, a concerningly prevalent issue that originated more than 2,000 years ago.

From the public burning of books in the past to the quiet removal from library shelves today, the suppression of literature remains a potent symbol of power and control. Whether a book is too racy, too political or too heretical, book banning is a practice that challenges not only free speech, but free expression as well — something that includes far more than just words, but also what a person wears, reads, performs and protests. Although the practice of book banning has waxed and waned in popularity throughout history, it has reached peaks both during McCarthyism and in the 1980s. 

America is experiencing another surge, mostly centered around censorship of LGBTQ+ writers and writers of color. Just this year, there have been over 3,300 individual book bans in U.S. public school libraries — something librarians and advocates for free speech and expression are working every day to combat.

Susan Augustine, one of two librarians at U-High’s Pritzker Traubert Family Library, said that one of the main reasons that libraries at the Laboratory Schools feature banned book displays is to spread awareness among the students about the issue and encourage students to read and learn whatever they may be interested in.

“We want to make sure, especially, that underrepresented voices in literature are being heard because those are the books that are getting banned the most right now,” Ms. Augustine said.

Eric Stroshane, assistant director of member services for the Chicago-based American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, said that the First Amendment right of students to access information as a matter of voluntary inquiry is something that should be embraced across the political spectrum.

“Confronting the efforts of an organized group to remove library materials requires more than just good policies, well-informed board members and administrators, and a staunch commitment to defending First Amendment freedoms to read and access information,” Mr. Stroshane said.

Tad Andracki, one of two Lab middle school librarians, is an active member of the ALA. Like Ms. Augustine, Mr. Andraki emphasizes the targeting of literature by and about historically marginalized groups as an especially pressing issue under the book-banning umbrella. 

“We are seeing a huge number of books that are being banned or challenged because they contain absolutely any mention of LGBTQ+ characters at all,” Mr. Andracki said. “And we’re also seeing books being banned or challenged because they speak to the less-glamorous truths of American history — particularly around race.”

The banned book shelves in the Laboratory School libraries remain a symbol of the university’s and Lab’s commitment to encouraging students to read and learn whatever they want and to give voices to those who have historically — and presently — been silenced.

“It’s ridiculous to tell people what they can and can’t read,” Ms. Augustine said. “If you don’t want to read a book, that’s fine. But you can’t tell someone else not to read a book.”

While some fight against bans, others oppose them

“Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe, “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson and “Out of the Darkness” by Ashley Hope Perez are among the most banned books in America. This is because of an organized movement by groups seeking to restrict access to books they find unacceptable for children.

As the number of banned books in the United States continues to rise each school year, a stark divide has emerged between authors and groups such as Moms for Liberty, Citizens Defending Freedom, and Parents’ Rights in Education.

One of these groups, MassResistance — a Massachusetts-based “pro-family activist” group that has been listed as “anti-LGBTQ” by the Southern Poverty Law Center, rejects describing their efforts as book banning. 

“The term ‘book ban’ is a misnomer designed to shame and defame parents who wish to protect children from filth, smut, prurient material, and outright pornography,” Mass Resistance Field Director Arthur Schaper wrote in an email to the Midway. 

Despite this, PEN America, a national organization dedicated to protecting free speech, defines book banning as action taken against a book by communities, administrations or governments that results in access to the book being restricted or diminished.

Mr. Schaper wrote that MassResistance is not seeking “book bans” because adults would still be able to purchase the books. 

“For the record, MassResistance does not support ‘book bans,’ but rather ‘pornography bans,’ which should never be disseminated among minors (anyone under 18 years old) EVER,” Mr. Schaper wrote. 

Mr. Schaper specifically mentioned “Gender Queer” and Juno Dawson’s “This Book is Gay” as unacceptable to distribute to anyone under age 18, claiming they contain explicit descriptions of sexual acts.

Ms. Dawson said in an Instagram video posted in March that “This Book Is Gay” is labeled as  young adult nonfiction. She acknowledged it is explicit at times because it aims to improve sexual education for LGBTQ teenagers. 

“I wanted to give young LGBTQ people hope,” Ms. Dawson said in the video. “What we’re seeing now is a really organized attack on books, because the far right is out of ideas. What else can you attack but trans health care, drag queens, books?”

Controversial books:

The following list features the most challenged books of 2022, according to the American Library Association. These books have been banned in various places across the United States for claims ranging from sexually explicit and LGBTQ+ content to profanity or themes of abuse. States such as Texas, Florida, Missouri, Utah, Virginia and South Carolina have banned hundreds of books during the 2022 school year.

 

“Gender Queer”: a memoir by Maia Kobabe, 2019

After 151 challenges and being banned in 56 different school districts, “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe has faced backlash from many places across America with claims of LGBTQIA+ content in addition to sexually explicit material. The book centers around the challenges of coming out to friends and family.

 

“All Boys Aren’t Blue”: a memoir by George M. Johnson, 2020

“All Boys Aren’t Blue” faced 86 challenges in 2022 for including both LGBTQ+ and sexually explicit content. Structured as a series of essays and letters, the book centers around the story of the author growing up in New Jersey as a black and queer man. These challenges took place in many places across America.

 

“The Bluest Eye”: a novel Toni Morrison, 1970

“The Bluest Eye” tells the story of a young girl growing up in harsh and brutal circumstances during the 1970s. With 73 challenges, the story faced backlash for depictions of sexual abuse and sexual content. In addition to this, it was also challenged for having equality, diversity, and inclusion-based themes.

 

“Flamer”: a graphic novel by Mike Curato, 2020

“Flamer” by Mike Curato was challenged 62 times for its depiction of LGBTQ+ characters and sexually explicit content. The book follows the story of a young man struggling to accept his sexual identity during the 1990s. The book was banned 15 times in states throughout the South.

 

“Looking for Alaska”: a novel by John Green, 2005

John Green’s “Looking for Alaska” follows the story of a teenage boy discovering new struggles and experiences throughout his time in high school. The book received 55 challenges due to sexual and LGBTQ+ themes, as well as drug and alcohol content.

 

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower”: a novel by Stephen Chbosky, 1999 

Challenged for its depiction of sexual abuse, LGBTQ+ content, drug use, profanity and claims of being sexually explicit, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” explores the challenges of adolescence through the eyes of a teenage boy navigating high school and personal struggles. The book received 55 challenges.

 

“Lawn Boy”: a semi-autobiographical novel by Jonathan Evison, 2018

Challenged 54 times for its LGBTQ+ and sexually explicit content, “Lawn Boy” explores the life of a young man exploring themes of identity, sexuality and the pursuit of the American Dream, leading to challenges in several areas. The book was challenged in multiple states across America.

 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”: a novel by Sherman Alexie, 2007

“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie was challenged 52 times with claims of being sexually explicit and the use of profanity. The book revolves around a young Native American’s journey to overcome poverty and prejudice. The book explores identity, racism and the pursuit of dreams.

 

Out of Darkness”: a novel by Ashley Hope Perez, 2015

Receiving 50 challenges for depictions of abuse and claims of being sexually inappropriate, “Out of Darkness” by Ashley Hope Perez, is a historical novel that covers an interracial love affair between two teenagers in the 1930s. The novel was banned in various places throughout the South.

 

A Court of Mist and Fury”: a novel by Sarah J. Maas, 2016

Challenged 48 times for claims of being sexually explicit, “A Court of Mist and Fury” was banned 27 times throughout the United States. This fantasy fiction story follows an immortal woman on a journey to find love and peace.

 

— compiled by Milo Platz-Walker



Book banning roots: 6 key events

Over time, book bans in the United States have increased in prevalence. They can be traced in the United States as early as 1637. Below are six key book ban-related events throughout history.

 

1873: Comstock Act 

The Comstock Act criminalized obscene materials, leading to widespread book censorship. Its impact restricted the distribution of books discussing topics like sexuality and birth control, limiting access to information about sexuality and contraception.

 

1953: “Fahrenheit 451”

Ray Bradbury’s dystopian novel features a future where books are banned and burned by a totalitarian government. Its critique of censorship highlights the importance of intellectual freedom, making it a target for censorship itself.

 

1966: The People v. Fanny Hill 

“Fanny Hill,” an 18th century novel, faced a trial that challenged societal norms. The book’s explicit content clashed with moral standards, highlighting the ongoing struggle between artistic expression and censorship.

 

1982-present: American Library Association’s Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week annually spotlights censored works, celebrating the right to read freely. It combats censorship by encouraging dialogue about controversial topics, promoting diversity and defending intellectual freedom in libraries and schools.

 

2013: “Persepolis” removed from Chicago classrooms

Marjane Satrapi’s “Persepolis” was removed from the Chicago public school seventh-grade level because some CPS staff deemed the graphic novel inappropriate for seventh graders. An email from the former CEO of CPS encouraged high school teachers to receive training before teaching the book.  

 

2023: Illinois outlaws book bans 

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill that prohibits libraries from banning books, becoming the first state in the nation to outlaw them. 

 

— compiled by Milo Platz-Walker



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Taariq Ahmed
Taariq Ahmed, News Editor
Taariq Ahmed is a member of the Class of 2025 and serves as the news editor. He joined the Midway as a sophomore after moving from St. Louis, where he completed Introduction to Journalism at his previous school in ninth grade. Taariq is the co-president of his school's Young Men of Color group and Being Racially Aware and Valuing Ethnicity conference board. Outside of school, Taariq enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising and reading the news. Awards:

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Digital Story of the Year: Photo Slideshow (with Jaya Alenghat, Mia Lipson, Nathan Li, Olin Nafziger, Eli Raikhel, Grace LaBelle, Ryan Burke-Stevenson, Ellis Calleri, Bryce Light) — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 Illinois All-State Journalism Team

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, sports news story, 7 seniors commit to play college athletics in community event

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, photo gallery or slideshow (with Chloë Alexander, Skye Freeman), ArtsFest activities reflect students spirit, creativity

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, personality profile, Juggling Act: Senior works to explore passions with numerous roles in upcoming fall play

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, photo gallery or slideshow (with Mia Lipson, Alex Diamond, Bryce Light, Olin Nafziger, Eli Raikhel), U-High celebrates community spirit in annual Homecoming assembly 2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Third place, news (with Mia Lipson, Téa Tamburo), With powerful testimonials of discrimination, groups call for action  
Light Dohrn
Light Dohrn, Arts & Entertainment Editor
Light Dohrn is a member of the Class of 2026 and serves as the arts and entertainment editor. As a ninth grader, she joined the journalism family in the 2022-23 school year and previously served as an assistant editor. Her favorite piece she has written for the Midway is “Through classes, art teachers aim to grow art appreciation.” Outside of journalism, she enjoys classic books and Tarantino films.   Awards:

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, review, Live-action anime series, ‘One Piece,’ exceeds expectations

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, review, ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ brings strong acting, flawed storytelling 2023 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, Boston convention: Excellent, review writing 2023 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, San Francisco convention: Honorable mention, press law and ethics
Sahana Unni
Sahana Unni, Editor-in-Chief
Sahana Unni is a member of the Class of 2024 and serves as an editor-in-chief. She began journalism as a ninth grader in the 2020-21 school year and has since appreciated the exposure to different ideas and perspectives. Her favorite story she has written is about the Jane Collective, a group of women who provided safe abortions before the procedure was legalized in the early 1970s. Outside of journalism, Sahana enjoys creative writing and reading, while also serving as an editor-in-chief of the Renaissance literary magazine and a captain of the Mock Trial team.
Awards: 2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, news, Multiple thefts reported this month

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, alternative storytelling (with Audrey Park, Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu)

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, photo story (with Zara Siddique)

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Honorable mention, serious commentary, Mindy Kaling’s depiction of Indian women isn’t a step forward

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Third place, feature story, Fragrance fanatics: trend sparks student interest in cologne

2024 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, special coverage: (with Audrey Park and Clare McRoberts) superior 2024 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: First place, personal opinion: on-campus issues, "New auditorium name at odds with values" 2024 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Second place (with Zara Siddique), photo layout: full page (Page 3) 2024 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Certificate of merit, news feature, “Dazzling drag city” 2023 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, San Francisco convention: Honorable mention, online package

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, serious commentary, New auditorium name at odds with values

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, audio journalism (with Téa Tamburo), Audio: The beat boys — Club provides opportunity for music exploration, socialization

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, staff editorial, Step up to support peers’ mental health

2022 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: Cultural feature, certificate of merit, "‘Bridgerton’ effectively represents Indian culture" 2022 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, St. Louis convention: Honorable mention, feature writing 2020 National Scholastic Press Association Fall Best of Show: Sixth Place, Election Reporting (contributor), “As trailblazer for multiple identities, Harris inspires students”
Milo Platz-Walker
Milo Platz-Walker, Sports Editor
Milo Platz-Walker is a member of the Class of 2025 and serves as the sports editor. He joined the staff as a ninth grader in 2021 and returned as a junior. Outside of school, he enjoys competing in karate, listening to music, and spending time with friends.
Audrey Park
Audrey Park, Editor-in-Chief
Audrey Park is a member of the Class of 2024 and serves as an editor-in-chief. She began writing for the Midway in the 2020-21 school year when she was in ninth grade. Her favorite story she has written is about University of Chicago nurses seeking solutions for the uninsured. She loves journalism because of its ability to represent and reflect multiple perspectives. Audrey also enjoys reading, traveling and playing card games. Awards:

2024 National Scholastic Press Association Design of the Year: Newspaper Page/Spread — Top 10 Finalist (result announced Nov. 9, 2024)

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, in-depth news, Students use Zyn nicotine products, despite discouragement

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, alternative storytelling (with Katie Sasamoto-Kurisu, Sahana Unni)

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: First place, centerspread story package, in-depth: Freedom Flare-up

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, feature, Hiding honky-tonk

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, single-page story package (with Chloë Alexander, Mia Lipson, Haley Maharry), Arts: Hiding honky-tonk

2024 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, centerspread story package, in-depth: Affirmative Apprehension 2024 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, special coverage: (with Clare McRoberts and Sahana Unni) superior 2024 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, general feature Story: excellent 2024 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: First place, sidebar writing, “Affirmative Apprehension — Expert input: Law professor explains case” 2023 Illinois All-State Journalism Team 2023 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, San Francisco convention: Honorable mention, online package

2023 Illinois Journalism Education Association: Second place, in-depth news, Leaving Lab: Black students say school environment is unwelcoming

2023 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago, news story: excellent 2022 Journalism Education Association National Student Media Contests, St. Louis convention: Honorable mention, editorial writing 2022 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Award: First place, sidebar writing, “Misinformation solutions rely on regulation, media literacy”
Noah Babai
Noah Babai, Artist
Noah Babai is a member of the Class of 2024 and an artist for the Midway.