CENSORSHIP CHALLENGE REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2007
Challenges Reported During the 1st Quarter FY2008
Millie Davis, NCTE Division Director, Communications & Affiliate Services
The first quarter of FY08 has been a "normal" quarter in terms of activity. NCTE responded to nearly the same number of challenges this quarter (14 concerning 15+ texts) as it did during the first quarter of FY07 (15 concerning 25+ texts). Resources, rationales when available, policies and advice were provided for all challenges. In addition, NCTE sent two letters of support for retaining texts and responded with resources to two inquiries in addition to those reporting challenges.
Most of the works challenged during July-September, 2007 were “commonly-challenged” novels, such as Of Mice and Men, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Color Purple, and The Outsiders. The challenges were to texts used in grades 8-12. However, one-third of the challenges this quarter (5 of the 14) were to texts used in AP or honors classes. Only one film was challenged. As of this writing, we know that two of the texts challenged this quarter have been retained. The other 12 are still under consideration.
Two of this quarter’s challenges stand out. Both began this quarter but neither is as yet resolved. The first challenge is to “all contemporary literature” taught in English Grades 9-12 in a Texas school district. The second is to Pat Conroy’s novels Beach Music and The Prince of Tides, both used in an AP Senior English class in West Virginia. Local controversy and a furor of local media have accompanied this challenge. Some of the media coverage includes
NCTE’s Anti-Censorship Resources
The NCTE Anti-Censorship Website 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 the NCTE website 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: Rationales for Challenged Books: Prepared by NCTE in Partnership with IRA. Compact Disc and Rationales for Challenged Books, Volume 2.
Listing of 1st Quarter Challenges Reported from July-September, 2007
All contemporary literature (9-12 English, TX), sexual references, violence and/or profanity. Sent resources.
Beach Music, Pat Conroy (AP Literature, WV), graphic violence. Sent April 1992 English Journal article and resources.
The Color Purple, Alice Walker (11th grade advanced English summer reading list, VA), sexually graphic, vulgar, profane and indecent language. Sent rational and resources. RETAINED for this year. However, the educator challenged stated "Unofficially, I doubt that it will appear on the summer reading list for next year. There's just too much controversy over it right now (though the principal assures me that it will be back after the 'cooling off' period."
Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury (English I, II, III required reading, IL). Sent rationale and resources.
The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood (AP Literature, Taiwan), shocked by film. Sent rationale and resources.
Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck (9th grade English, KS), vulgar language. Sent rationale, resources, and a draft letter of support.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Ken Kesey (AP English Literature Summer Reading, CA), language and sexuality. Sent rationale and resources.
The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton (high school, OH). Sent resources and rationales
The Outsiders, S. E. Hinton (English I,II,or III required reading, IL). Sent rationale and resources.
The Pigman, Paul Zindel (high school, OH). Sent resources and rationales.
Prince of Tides, Pat Conroy (AP Literature, WV), graphic violence. Sent resources and rationale.
V for Vendetta, Movie (10th grade English, KY). Sent rationale, resources, and letter of support.
Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen (12th grade Contemporary Fiction, NY), pornographic. Sent resources.
We All Fall Down, Robert Cormier (11th grade general English, IL), violence. Sent rationale, resources, and letter of support RETAINED. Review committee 100% agreement to retain book in curriculum
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