PEN America, a free speech organization, published a report last week detailing the increase in book banning in America this past school year. It has been found that schools are specifically targeting stories related to race and sexuality. There are 113 bills proposed s across the country, including in New Jersey, where one bill would require parental notification of sexually explicit content in the curriculum. PEN found an increase in framing book bans under this justification which is often used to prevent LGBTQ sexualities from being discussed.
On May 3rd, the Stevens community will take part in a National Day of Action against the banning of books in libraries. The events taking place will inform community members about the fields of study most impacted by book banning: African American Studies, Gender Studies, and Feminist Theory. The course of events can be seen in the accompanying flier.
Black Skin, White Masks is a docudrama about anti-colonialist theorist Frantz Fanon, who discussed the psychological impact and internalization of racism. Space is the Place is an afro-futurist science fiction film, which challenges ideas of race and identity in power structures. There will also be opportunities to discuss with Professor Swindall, Professor Benezra, and Professor Dayal their courses of specialty: African American Studies, Gender Studies, and the history of American Literature.
