The Impact of Book Bans on Student Literacy and Engagement
In a recent English course at the university level, I observed unexpected reactions from students to the assigned readings. Some were startled by depictions of war, while others were taken aback by candid portrayals of mental health struggles. However, the most surprising revelation was that many students initially believed they disliked literature, only to discover a newfound appreciation through our course discussions.
The Current State of Reading Education
Recent studies indicate a concerning decline in literacy rates among K-12 students across Canada. This trend helps explain why some students arrive at university without ever having experienced a book that truly shocked, moved, or delighted them. The absence of such transformative reading experiences creates a significant gap in their educational journey.
Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides recently announced restrictions on books containing sexual content in school libraries. Although the government has narrowed the ban to focus specifically on "visual depictions of sexual activities," critics argue this policy disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ authors, stories, and readers, particularly within the comics and graphic novel genre.
Examining a Controversial Text
While I don't claim expertise in K-12 curriculum development, as someone deeply immersed in literary studies, I can speak to the value of challenged texts. One prominent example is Alison Bechdel's graphic memoir Fun Home, which has been targeted by the United Conservative Party government.
This critically acclaimed work has earned numerous accolades, including five prestigious literary prizes, a spot on the New York Times bestseller list, and adaptation into a Tony Award-winning musical. Premier Danielle Smith has described the book as containing "pornographic images," likely referring to a few panels depicting consensual sexual activity between women.
Contextualizing Challenged Content
To understand these images properly, we must consider their narrative context. The scenes in question appear during Bechdel's exploration of her sexual identity in university. Her journey of self-discovery begins through literature—reading theory, poetry, and novels by women authors. Some texts she embraces enthusiastically, others she rejects, but all contribute to an ongoing dialogue about identity and experience.
Through this literary conversation, Bechdel discovers a pathway to connect with her emotionally distant father. The memoir illustrates how books can serve as bridges between people and as tools for personal understanding. The depiction of sexual pleasure exists within this broader exploration of human connection and self-discovery.
The Broader Implications for Education
Restricting access to challenging materials in K-12 schools may further diminish students' opportunities to develop genuine enthusiasm for literature. When students encounter only sanitized texts, they miss the chance to engage with complex human experiences that literature uniquely conveys. The current debate raises fundamental questions about what books are meant to accomplish in educational settings and how we prepare students for the diverse world of ideas they will encounter beyond the classroom.
