Explore the topic of banned books with events, discussions and a play this semester

PEN America, a national freedom-of-speech organization, released an annual report on book bans which revealed that between July 1, 2022, and June 31, 2023, there were 3,362 recorded instances of book bans in U.S. public school classrooms and libraries. This is a 33% increase compared to last year.

The issue of banned books is something to be taken seriously. So why exactly is banning books an issue, and how should a community navigate calls for censorship?

From October 2-5, McKillop Library is hosting a Banned Books Week to help Salve staff, faculty and students come explore these difficult topics.

Banned books and censorship will be at the forefront of other events this semester — like the Inclusive Reading Club’s (IRC) meeting on Oct. 19.

The theatre program is also creating an original play called “The Banned Books Club,” and they will be using inspiration from audience members at an event that will happen during Banned Books Week. The final play will be completed and performed later on.

“We have an event on Oct. 5 where there will be a snippets of the show that gets performed in the library, and feedback from audience members will be added into the final show,” said Dr. Tara Brooke Watkins, director of the theatre program. “So audience members will actually have a say in the final product, not just the cast.”

All of these banned books offerings below will provide lively conversation, so please join when able.

Banned books events

Banned Books Week

Don’t Silence Me: Gender, Sexuality, and the Danger of Banning Books
Monday, Oct. 2, 2:30-3:45 p.m.
McKillop Library, first floor

Students in WGS 210 Intro to Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies will host this book reading and discussion focused on books banned due to issues of gender and sexuality. They will read short passages from banned books to amplify and elevate oppressed voices, and they will lead a discussion around issues of censorship, identity and sexuality. Participants don’t have to read any of the books to participate in the discussion. Faculty facilitator of this event will be Dr. Anthony Mangieri, assistant professor in the Department of Art and Art History.

For more information, go here.

A Source of Self-Regard: Reflections on Toni Morrison’s ‘The Bluest Eye’
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
McKillop Library, first floor

This student project presentation enables students to engage with Morrison’s exploration of cultural fault lines, freedom and the African American presence in American literature. Faculty facilitator of this event is Dr. Ikea Johnson, assistant professor in the department of English, Communications and Media.

For more information, go here.

Virtual – Teaching While Banned: Perspectives from Current Public School Teachers
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Virtual event

Attend this virtual panel where Salve alumni who teach in grades 7-12 schools share what it’s like to teach in an environment where the threat of censorship is present. How does it affect their students and pedagogical choices? How does it affect the classroom climate? How does it differ from district to district and state to state?

Faculty facilitators of this event are Dr. Tracy Pelkowski, program coordinator for the Department of Education; professors Dr. Matthew Ramsey and Dr. Donna Harrington Leuker from the Department of English, Communications and Media; and Dr. Timothy Neary, professor in the Department of History.

To register, go here.

Theatrical Presentation and Exploration on Banned Books
Thursday, Oct. 5, 4-6 p.m.
McKillop Library, first floor

The theatre program is creating an original play about banned books and is looking for community voices. On October 5, the theatre program will present a piece in the works that will actively seek audience input and perspective. Using a technique from Augusto Boal the theme of banned books and censorship will be explored, and audience members will speak back to the actors about what could have happened or should have happened during performed scenes. Actors will then replay scenes with audience input.

Faculty facilitator of this event is Sarah Ploskina, adjunct professor from the Department of Theatre, Music and Dance.

For more information, go here.

Inclusive Reading Club

Censorship: Who Decides What We Can Read?
Thursday, Oct. 19, at 4 p.m.
McKillop Library or virtual