This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Gahnique Bell. Find her on Instagram at @s14rbur81_g4l4xy. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
In this day of age where grocery prices are increasing, the job market is in a questionable and concerning state, and homeowning is almost impossible, it’s safe to say that things are looking rough in America. It is especially tough for us Zillennials. Fast food has been my main go too for food and living in my moms house sudddenly doesnt sound too bad. And now there is a huge threat to one of the most important things a person can acquire for themselves: Education. Since the recent presidential election, there have been calls against the department of education and the order to dismantle it. Programs that serve low-income families and students with disabilities are being affected and taken away, leaving those individuals vulnerable. Book banning also adds to this problem, and in the last three years, we have seen a rising number of books being banned from libraries and schools. There isn’t a question as to why book banning is bad and why more people should speak out about this.
Why are books being banned?
Books have always been a big part of my life. I used to beg my family to take me to the bookstore every week after I finished a book. There wasn’t a time that I didn’t have a book in my hand. It has changed my life and has inspired me to pursue my own passion of writing my own own books. Now as an adult, it hurts to see so many books, even some of my favorite ones, being banned and restricted. But what exactly is book banning? Why was this happening? I was curious to find out more about what was really going on.
Book banning, I found, s when a book is challenged against its use of content that would lead to the removal of the book entirely or partially through limitations. This particular action to remove book access from school has been present in America since the 1980s and has surged significantly since 2021. In 2024, the book banning has increased by 43% and has had 414 attempts to censor library materials and services. Books are always being challenged, but that doesn’t mean a call for it to be banned is necessary.
There are three major reasons why books are censored
- It is sexually explicit
- The material contains offensive language
- or it’s unsuitable to any age group
Although book banning happens mainly upon children’s literature, there are many books, whether in children’s literature or not, that are being banned today that represent LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC stories. Stories that some people, mainly parents, believe certain books will present ideas or raise questions from children that adults refuse or ignore to address.
Books are one of the many ways that can influence people’s lives by seeing themselves in stories that authentically represent them. It is very rewarding to see a piece of literature that authentically represents similar experiences that I had growing up. Books are a form of representation and when people indulge themselves in reading and other media it affects how they see the world and their view on other people. By banning books that include representation of underrepresented groups and limiting access and the ability to learn and ask questions about certain topics, children and young adults are robbed of the chance to grow and learn about themselves and gain different perspectives.
Aside from diminishing representation, book banning also creates an issue with parental rights. parental rights are the legal authority that parents have to make decisions about a child’s care, education, and upbringing. Some parents want their child to be curious and be exposed to heavy topics such as racism, sexuality, and gender, and ask questions about the world around them. It should be the parents’ choice to choose how they want to raise their child and what they consume. Banning books violates that right and the right of children to access books that are important for them. Kids are smart and they deserve the right to learn and understand how diverse society is. It can make it harder for students to process certain situations, emotions. Without these types of books there is no conversation.
The Importance of Books
Although there has been a dip in reading from children, books are still considered an important part of education. It provides many benefits to children and adults that enhance their lives. It enhances the imagination and inspires to create. It helps people understand themselves and feel okay with their identity. Books are an important form of media because they start conversations. It informs us and answers questions that other people can’t give us. Whenever I see books that are challenged or are being banned, it always makes me sad because it means that the freedom to read and educate yourself is at risk. It means certain viewpoints, identities, cultures, histories are being suppressed, therefore limiting the people who need those kinds of stories. It ultimately dehumanizes people through fear and hatred. But this is just one part of the problem of education being threatened.
Education At Risk
It’s not a secret that the Department of Education is trying to be dismantled by the government. It wasn’t the first time either. Former president Ronald Reagan called for an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education but was opposed by House of Representatives. Now in 2025, the executive call to take down the board of education has returned. However, the action alone could cause serious problems.
Public schools are one of the most important factors of a child receiving their education. Over 84% of children attend public schools and 95% of them that come from low-income families and/or have disabilities benefit from the programs that run under the Department of Education. Completely taking down the department would affect the families and students at a grand scheme. Public schools would be stripped of funding and the money would be focused on private schools, which are very expensive for low-income families to acquire. Programs that provide food, education, and protection for vulnerable students would be defunded and cause anxiety and stress among families and communities. It makes me think about my own family. What would happen to my siblings who are still going to school?
Discrimination would rise and children would have to face situations where they are treated differently based on their gender, race, and disability. Something a child shouldn’t have to experience. This problem doesn’t affect children. It affects college students like me as well. By taking away the Department of Education, FAFSA, which 30% of college students depend on to pay for tuition, would be gone and students will have fewer options on receiving a higher education. Many of my friends, including myself, freaked out when the recent rumor of student loans disappearing. There are so many of us that depend on it to achieve our dreams, so the matter of FAFSA or the entire education department is a really scary concept for many people.
Even though the order to dismantle the Department of Education has been denied, it is going to be hard to take it down completely, and many people are speaking up against the issue. More than ever teachers, counselors, and other people who are part of the education field are banding together to stop book banning and the issues they rely on accessible education for everyone.
Do you believe that book banning is bad? Are there any other education issues that need to be addressed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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