CENSORSHIP CHALLENGE REPORT - MARCH 2007
Challenges Reported During the 2nd Quarter FY2007
Millie Davis, NCTE Division Director, Communications & Affiliate Services

We had 1/3 fewer reported challenges in Quarter 2 of FY2007 than during the same time in FY2006 (19 challenges during October, November, and December of 2006 as compared to 30 during those same months in 2005). Note that the number of challenges equals number of individuals who reported challenges. The number of works challenged is usually higher because often challenges involve more than one work.

Works challenged ranged from classics such as Of Mice and Men, Native Son, and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings to adolescent literature such as The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things, and Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. One challenge report came to us from a student representative of a large-scale student protest to the removal of What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? from the curriculum.  The Des Moines Register ran article about this challenge and NCTE INBOX featured the article in the 11/28/06 edition.  Other challenges questioned DVD and video usage, Greek mythology, storytelling, and restrictions placed on the use of the Google search engine. 

During the quarter, we also received one reporter call and one request for information on a SLATE Newsletter article.

Those reporting incidents received resources, including rationales when available and policies. As of this report, five of the challenged books have been retained. Other challenges are still in process.

NCTE’s Anti-Censorship Resources

The NCTE Anti-Censorship Web site (http://www.ncte.org/about/issues/censorship) is the first resource referenced for all who contact NCTE. All who contact NCTE receive email, telephone, or fax responses, followed by other action such as rationales, policies, advice, and letters, when requested. Many have visited the website before calling or filling out a Censorship Challenge Report.

If you are experiencing a challenge to materials or methods, or if you know someone who is, visit http://www.ncte.org/about/issues/censorship and click on the "Report a Censorship Incident" option or call Millie Davis at 800-369-6283, extension 3634 (or 217-278-3634).

Also note that NCTE now has two CD’s of rationales for challenged texts available for purchase.  See http://www.ncte.org/store/books/censorship/106101.htm and http://www.ncte.org/store/books/censorship/122791.htm

Listing of the Challenges Reported from October-December, 2006

Below, listed alphabetically by work, are the cases that were reported from October 1 to December 30, 2006, with as much information as we currently have on the challenge.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain (to help preservice teachers with why Huck Finn needs to be taught and address the issues, NY). Sent rationale. 

Animal Dreams, Barbara Kingsolver (9th grade, MO), reason not specified. Sent rationale and resources. 

Before We Were Free, Julia Alvarez (6th grade Literature class, GA), menstrual cycle. Sent information and resources. 

The Bluest Eye, Toni Morrison (High School Honors-English, NY), rape scene. Sent rationale and resources. 

A Child Called "It", David Pelzer (6-8th grades library, CO), violence, profanity, abuse. Sent rationale and resources. 

DVD and video (new) restricted use, (K-5 grades, NC), permission required for new DVD or video use. Sent information and resources .

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things, Carolyn Mackler (6-8th grades, IN), reason not specified. Sent rationale. 

Family Study Display (1-3 multiage classroom, MO), Picture of 2 men hugging, 2 men at the beach  with the word "gay" in the caption. Sent resources 

Google search engine restricted use (K-5 grades, NC), students may not use Google. Sent information and resources. 

Greek Mythology and Reading and Storytelling (7th grade, OH), curse of Poseidon on Pasiphae and stories with homosexual overtones, violence, sex. 

Ironman, Chris Crutcher (11th grade English, TN), reason not specified. Sent rationale and resources.  RETAINED

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou (10th grade Honors, WI), rape scene, graphic depiction. Sent rationale.  RETAINED BUT PERMISSION SLIPS WILL BE REQUIRED NEXT YEAR.

The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, Sherman Alexie (11th grade CCP and ACC, NH), swearing. 

The Lovely Bones, Alice Sebold (middle school library, CT), reason not specified. Sent rationale and resources.  RETAINED

Native Son, Richard Wright (11th grade AP English), profanity, violence, masterbation. Sent rationale and rescources.  Likely to go to Board of Education and press.

Of Mice and Men, Play, John Steinbeck (reason not specified, WA). Sent rationale. 

Of Mice and Men (Play), John Steinbeck (10th grade, PA), "N" word , vulgar language, inappropriate for public school.  Sent rationale and letter of support.  BOARD VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO RETAIN THE NOVEL.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Ken Kesey (11th grade CCP and ACC, NH), swearing.  Sent rationale.

Out of the Dust, Karen Hesse (5th grade, NY), graphic images it would create in 10-year olds. 

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnnes, Chris Crutcher (11th grade English, TN), not specified. Sent rationale and resources. RETAINED 

Ttyl, Lauren Myracle (not specified, FL), unknown. Sent rationale. 

What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Peter Hedges (11-12th grades, IA), sexual references. Sent resources. Story featured in 11/28/06 INBOX.  

When Dad Killed Mom, Julius Lester (6-8th grades, IN), references to "vagina" and "lesbian," very troubled children. Sent rationale.