A parent in Miami-Dade County has succeeded in having Amanda Gorman’s poem “The Hill We Climb” banned from an elementary school library on the grounds that it contains indirect hate messages, gender ideology, and references to critical race theory. The poem was read by Gorman during President Joe Biden’s inauguration in January, and it has been praised for its themes of unity, hope, and resilience. The parent who complained about the poem argued that it is “not educational” and could “confuse and indoctrinate students.” The poem has been removed from shelves at Bob Graham Education Center, a kindergarten through eighth-grade school in Miami Lakes.
The decision has been criticized by Gorman, who expressed her disappointment on Twitter, stating that the majority of banned books are works by “queer and non-white voices” who have struggled to get onto bookshelves. Gorman’s publisher, Penguin Random House, has teamed up with PEN America to bring a lawsuit against Florida’s Escambia County School District and School Board, requesting that all banned books be returned to library shelves. The lawsuit also challenges the constitutional violations that have led to book bans and argues that such bans rob children of the chance to find their voices in literature.
The decision to remove “The Hill We Climb” from the elementary school library is not unique, as book bans have been on the rise in the US, with a single objection being enough to remove works from schools and libraries. This trend has been criticized by authors, publishers, and free speech advocates who argue that such bans limit expression, stifle creativity, and prevent people from encountering different perspectives and ideas.
While some schools label books by age-appropriateness, the categorization is often vague, which can lead to the justification of a book’s restriction. This is why Gorman’s case has been regarded as a symbol of a larger problem that involves the freedom to read and the right to access information. Gorman’s poem has been praised for its uplifting message and its contribution to the cultural heritage of the US, making it a vital part of any educational curriculum that seeks to promote diversity, inclusion, and social justice.
The decision to remove “The Hill We Climb” also reflects a broader cultural and political debate about the role of education in society and the ideas that should be taught in schools. The parent who complained about the poem argued that it contained “indirect hate messages,” which suggests a fear that exposing children to diverse voices and opinions could lead to ideological contamination. This view is based on the assumption that education should be a tool for indoctrination rather than critical thinking, and that certain ideas are too dangerous or subversive to be discussed in the classroom.
However, the removal of books and poems like “The Hill We Climb” undermines the mission of education, which is to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and values that enable them to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. By exposing students to different cultures, perspectives, and experiences, education promotes empathy, curiosity, and creativity, which are essential for personal growth and social progress. The removal of books and poems that challenge orthodoxy and promote dissent not only limits intellectual freedom but also reinforces the narrow-mindedness and divisiveness that prevent us from achieving a more just and democratic society.
In conclusion, the decision to ban “The Hill We Climb” from an elementary school library in Miami-Dade County reflects a larger issue regarding the freedom to read and access information. The trend of book bans has been criticized by artists, publishers, and free speech advocates who argue that such bans limit expression, stifle creativity, and prevent people from encountering different perspectives and ideas. The removal of books and poems that challenge orthodoxy and promote dissent not only limits intellectual freedom but also reinforces the narrow-mindedness and divisiveness that prevent us from achieving a more just and democratic society. Amanda Gorman’s poem should be celebrated as a symbol of hope, unity, and resilience, and it should be made available to all students who seek to understand and appreciate the diversity of the American cultural heritage.
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