Lansing, Mich. — On Tuesday, a group of determined students gathered at the State Capitol to take a stand against what they believe is a growing trend of book bans in Michigan schools. Their protest, which involved reading excerpts from books that have been banned in several districts, was aimed at raising awareness about what they see as a concerning effort to limit access to diverse and inclusive literature.
The rally comes at a time when school districts across Michigan, including those in Dearborn, Portage, and Davison, have seen books removed from their libraries and classrooms. While no Mid-Michigan school districts have yet banned books, the students at Tuesday’s event were resolute in their belief that such actions must be challenged to ensure an education that reflects the diverse experiences of all students.
“We the people reject the erasure of our stories and the whitewashing of our curricula,” said Demetrius Davis, a student organizer for the event. His words echoed a sentiment shared by many of the young protesters who gathered on the steps of the Capitol to make their voices heard.
According to PEN America, the 2023-2024 school year has seen the highest number of book bans recorded in the United States. This spike in censorship has raised alarm among students, educators, and advocates for free speech. The rally was part of a larger movement pushing back against the growing trend of book bans, which often target works that focus on topics such as race, LGBTQ+ issues, and other forms of social justice.
Anuli Smith Black, an 11th grader who attended the rally, expressed her frustration with the banning of books that hold personal significance to her and her community. “People should have their own right to choose what they want to do as people,” she said. “When I hear that books are being banned, books that I grew up on, books my siblings grew up on, and books I want my younger cousins and younger siblings to grow up on, I just can’t stand by and let that happen.”
The protestors emphasized the importance of books in preserving history, particularly for marginalized groups. “Books are to preserve history, and if we are banning books, then we are guaranteed nothing but the whitewash version of the history books that we have in school,” said Janiala Young, another 11th grader who spoke at the event.
Many of the rally’s participants, including Young, pointed out that books are often banned for their portrayal of people of color or the complexities of identity. “Most literature is banned on the grounds of it being about people of color or people’s intersectionality as a whole,” Young added. “They know that if we are educated, then we are unstoppable.”
In addition to reading excerpts from banned books, several students shared their own original writing and poetry, while others performed songs of protest to amplify their message. The rally concluded with a march to the office of Representative Matt Hall, where students presented a collection of demands, despite the fact that Hall was not in the office at the time.
The protest highlighted the growing concern among students that the rise in book bans could have far-reaching consequences for the quality and inclusivity of education in Michigan. As the movement continues to gain momentum, these young activists are sending a powerful message about the need for an education system that values diversity, inclusion, and the freedom to explore different perspectives.
