Stop the book ban

Comments

#13

i’m signing because this book is amazing and it changed my perspective. it’s educational and relatable and worth the read

emily little (williamsfield , 2022-01-17)

#16

Fuck censorship.

Justin Smith (Wataga, 2022-01-17)

#30

This book lets our children see a different perspective. Our children are going to be in some situation in their future that understanding, or even simply knowing, of these perspectives will benefit them. Right or wrong, it will open their minds to different cultures and bring awareness. Why would we not want our children to have a better understanding and be more aware?

Tara Interial (Altona, 2022-01-17)

#35

This is how it starts….. one book becomes two …

Joshua Lee (Alexis, 2022-01-17)

#42

This book is appropriate for our children! It teaches them real life situations. Our children need to know how other people and cultures live!

Angie Godsil (Victoria, 2022-01-17)

#46

Books should not be banned, this shouldn't be happening in this century!!

Peggy Hendricks (Wataga, 2022-01-17)

#50

History.have we not learned?we live in a great country that entitles us to freedoms. History may not always be politically correct but is that not how we learn? From our mistakes? There are many brilliant minds that published works of art in their time and ours.to not let our children experience all literature, are we protecting them or holding them back? What kind of adults are you wanting to produce?it is each individuals right to analyze and form their own opinion and creativity. In my opinion you are hindering that by taking away the choice these children have to not only read a book but interpret it in their own way.i personally would not want an entire society thinking one way.please let these children have the opportunities and advantages we had.looking into a tablet did not get us where we are today.

Derek Smith (Victoria, 2022-01-18)

#55

I'm signing because listening to experiences and reading stories the BIPOC community have felt comfortable sharing is extremely important. It is more imperative to hear and read these stories in such a predominantly white community. Attempting to ban literature like, The Hate You Give, shows where the board stands.

Katherin Neill (Virginia Beach, 2022-01-18)

#57

As a ROWVA alumna, I am frankly embarrassed at the actions of so many community members of my alma mater. As a public school teacher with a Masters degree, I have seen countless studies about the importance of including rigorous literary materials in the classroom and also integrating relevant cultural issues. Whether we like it or not, the issues in The Hate U Give are relevant to today’s society. High school students are teenagers. This is the time in their lives where we give them the tools and resources to be informed about our world and how to think for themselves. Banning award-winning literature, no matter what the content, is not the way to do so. I am proud to have had English teachers at ROWVA that introduced me to works that challenged me. It prepared me for higher education and to think about controversial societal issues. I hope the board realizes the negative impact a vote to ban this book could have.

Ashley LaGrow (Geneseo, IL, 2022-01-18)

#60

History tells us that when we fail to learn from history we simply repeat it. History also tells us that people fail to learn from history.

If one's values cannot stand a little analysis and reflection, then it is not the analysis and reflection that is the problem.

Michael Neill (Rio, 2022-01-18)

#63

You can’t ban books because they make you uncomfortable.

Cindy Teel (Oneida , 2022-01-18)

#67

We may not always like the subject matter or even how it's presented, but, this is life. These kids are going to be heading out into this crazy world and will have to interact with others who's life experiences are vastly different from their own. Books are just one way they may have a better understanding of what those others have been through and maybe, just maybe learn empathy. And if the language in this book is used as an argument for banishment, then please add banning the district school buses and locker rooms to the list of things to be banned because the kids are learning the same thing there.

Chris LaGrow (Rio, 2022-01-18)

#68

I'm signing because banning books limits the possibilities of personal growth that come from learning different perspectives beyond one's own social circle.

Sarah Glessner (Springfield, 2022-01-18)

#71

I'm signing because no book should be banned regardless of its topic. Just because the school board doesn't agree with what the book is saying doesn't give them the right to ban it.

James Sullivan (Galesburg, 2022-01-18)

#74

The hate you give is a very emotional look into police brutality and how America looks at black teens and adults. The concerns of police brutality and racial inequality aren’t things that should be censored they should be talked about. Rowva is a prodominantly white school in a very rural area meaning this book could also provide insight to what it may be like for other kids their age that live in more urban and black areas, that may not have access to the same privileges as them.

Brianna sullivan (galesburg, 2022-01-18)

#76

Some of the most “controversial” books can teach the greatest lessons. The Hate U Give tells an important story, and the students at ROWVA deserve the chance to read it.

Maggie Dickinson (Oneida, 2022-01-18)

#77

It is imperative we continuing discussing race and the affects of racism on students of color, especially by reading books from black authors.

Martina Beggy (Cranberry Twp , 2022-01-18)

#78

This is a slippery slope. Banning a book because a group doesn't see eye to eye is wrong. It is words on a page- take them as you would on a any page. I do however do not think it should be taught in the classroom.

Jennifer Carlson (Altona , 2022-01-18)

#83

Censoring books that expose us to the lives and experiences of others is so important to personal growth and dismantling structural racism!

Maanasi Natarajan (Washington DC, 2022-01-18)

#84

I believe allowing books that show all aspects of life (including those we may not agree with) allow young adults to develop their minds through their own viewpoints, not just the topics that only follow the “safe or protected “ viewpoints.

Phil Dickinson (Oneida, 2022-01-18)

#85

This book is age appropriate and presents a diverse perspective. The youth of our communities should have an opportunity to become more empathetic by exposing them to diverse experiences and thoughts.

Maureen Dickinson (Oneida, 2022-01-19)

#86

I am an alumni and believe students should be allowed to reach such materials.

Shailee Sampson (Mesa, 2022-01-19)

#91

We can not ever hide the truth. For millenia humans have learned this lesson over and over again, yet there will always be those that fear the truth. They must not win.

Marilyn Colwell (Galesburg , 2022-01-19)

#104

I am a teacher. I have read this book. It teaches a lot of great lessons about the state of race relations in America right now, friendship, adolescence, and perseverance. I most definitely think it’s appropriate for high school age students.

Kari Caldwell (Galesburg, 2022-01-19)

#106

Discussing racism is imperative to creating a better world for our children. Additionally, book banning is archaic.

Stefanie Gidmark (Galesburg, 2022-01-19)

#107

I don't agree with book bans

Chelsea Rhodes (Dewitt, 2022-01-19)

#108

I'm signing this because this is life this is true and just maybe This can bring the subject out of the darkness into the light and then maybe things will change

Barb Klein-Boyer (Galesburg, 2022-01-19)

#110

This book/ movie shines light on situations that people unfortunately experience every single day. If you are not educated on what's happening in our world, then you can not move forward to make things better.

Vanessa Bannister (Alexis, 2022-01-19)

#115

I will reach out to the board directly.

Megan Hasselroth (Taylor Ridge, 2022-01-19)

#116

I adamantly oppose the banning of books, especially age appropriate books.

Destiny Otte (Burlington, 2022-01-19)

#117

These cancel culture advocates are totally out of control. They are trying to cancel books that make them uncomfortable. Let the kids read!

Jonah Rubin (Galesburg, IL, 2022-01-19)

#126

It's ridiculous to ban anything for cursing. These parents obviously don't pay attention to their own children's languages. At home, in school, and sporting events. Stop pretending they are 2 and don't already say and think things way worse.

Dawn Foglesong (Oneida, 2022-01-19)

#127

It is important for students to receive a background of a diverse nature regarding minority struggles. Although some language used in the book may be offensive to some, the background given in context is necessary to feel the plight of Blacks in the " Black Lives Matter" movement. Until we can all recognize how it would feel to grow up Black in America and be racially profiled by law enforcement, we can not fully appreciate what the Black race has been forced to endure. In a small community school such as ROWVA, it is imperative to give the students within an almost all Caucasian school district the necessary knowledge and understanding of the struggles of many minority people within the Black community. If the language used is offensive, the content is a valuable lesson to allow group discussion in a classroom setting. The students will generally not live in a protected environment all of their lives, and learning to empathize with others is part of the maturation process in a civilized society. Censoring materials to be taught is counter-productive and inhibits a teacher's creative nature. Certainly providing knowledge about minorities is necessary in this world, especially now in light of the White Nationalist movement in this country. I took a course called "Minority Cultures" in high school and many years later I remember how dynamic, interesting, and beneficial it was. It was one of my 2 favorite classes in high school. Please do not inhibit the growth of the students at ROWVA High School, but rather help them develop into mature, empathetic adults. My son, Justin Glass, graduated from ROWVA in 2019 and is currently attending Western Illinois University with a major in secondary education. He plans on teaching history in high school. He had many excellent teachers at ROWVA who were also awesome role models. For that I am truly thankful.

Janine Glass (Wataga, 2022-01-19)

#128

I read this book in high school. There is absolutely zero reason why it should be banned.

Brandon Merz (Oneida, 2022-01-19)

#131

This piece of literature is an important work. To ban it opens the door to other bans, etc.

Dave Mccommons (Normal , 2022-01-20)

#133

I read if this petition on social media and wanted to say the as a middle aged Caucasian woman, the idea of not including this book is sad. I read it 3 years ago and it still stirs my heart. We all need to grow. These children could face their tomorrow better prepared by understanding the world they live in

Rhonda Baddley (Springdale, 2022-01-20)

#136

I’m signing because a discussion about the adversity of living as a person of color in the United States is absolutely necessary. I’m embarrassed to have been a ROWVA student and to understand that the community from which I came is somehow managing to regress each year.

Kyle Rohweder (Galesburg, 2022-01-20)

#138

I’m signing because I am opposed to censorship and because I have confidence in the professionalism of teachers in the district to assign readings appropriately and for sound pedagogical reasons.

David Amor (Galesburg , 2022-01-20)

#139

It's racist censorship

John Hoffman (Indianapolis, 2022-01-20)

#148

Censorship and book banning is one of the most unethical and immoral actions a human can ever take. It is obvious that they are Disguising this attempt at censorship as "inappropriate language" when it is clear this book is being challenged because some adults may be uncomfortable discussing race with children.

Phyllis Dimmitt (GALESBURG, 2022-01-20)

#149

Banning a book that represents black voices and their impact on our communities is tyrannical and a direct impact to the ability for our children to learn and grow their understanding of perspectives beyond their own!

Rebecca Blair (Indianapolis, 2022-01-20)

#150

Books should not be banned in any form, especially this one that is a classic for all generations!

Erin Wray (Indianapolis, 2022-01-20)

#151

I can't believe book banning is still a thing! Stop banning books, especially this one, that provide an important perspective and spur important conversations

Michelle Alexander (Boulder, 2022-01-20)

#160

School districts shouldn’t ban books. Families should discuss the pros and cons.

J Stegall (Galesburg, 2022-01-21)

#163

I am signing to stop the censorship of books in schools.

Emma Smith (Victoria, 2022-01-21)

#165

It’s appalling to even consider banning this incredible literature. For language? Is it that? Or is it an attempt deep down to silence black voices? Shame on you. Your students need more exposure given the lack of diversity in your population.

Julie Camarillo (San Antonio, 2022-01-22)

#168

I’m signing because I believe this book engages topic that need to be discussed and introduced to teens. Doing this in a structured/controlled classroom environment can help students understand today’s issues more deeply.

Garrett Wight (Indianapolis, 2022-01-23)

#171

I'm signing because banning books is dumb.

Adam Chasteen (Oneida, 2022-01-25)

#173

Teaching our children diversity of different cultures enhances their perspective on life. Such literature helps our children open their eyes to the world beyond our community, we cannot let fear dictate our education. If history has taught us anything.... ignorance is anything but bliss.

David Natof (Rio, 2022-01-26)

#174

Schools should encourage, not quell, respectful, intellectual debate of ideas.

Tyler Natof (Rio, 2022-01-26)

#175

No books should be restricted.

Mabel Losey (Woodhull, 2022-01-28)

#176

i lived in oneida with my two young children who went to school there. i have two books that have been banned in national themes. tony morrison's beloved, and the bluest eye. i am an avid reader. reading is knowledge, expands ones understanding of others, cultures, ideas, the world, empathy and takes you places you cant otherwise. love reading. banning is abhorent and censorship

lynn Culver (alexis, 2022-01-29)

#178

I'm signing because in the country we continue to try to silence the truth of our history. Dismissing racial injustice that has happened and continues to happen is not acceptable.

Lorraine Eloms (Fishers, 2022-02-02)

#179

Allowing students access to a variety of books by authors from all races and experiences should be encouraged, not censored.

Summer Boyd (Bloomington, 2022-02-04)

#180

These stories are important representation of other cultures and situations that kids their age face. A small town kid may not be exposed to. It shows them the truth and diversity of the world we all share.

Ginny Byers (Normal, 2022-02-05)

#182

Students should have a well rounded perspective of the world around them, which includes topics of race and injustice. To try and shield them from the world by banning certain books only puts them at a disadvantage later in life when they enter the real world.

Chris Burley (Powder Springs, 2022-02-09)

#184

Fahrenheit 451

Kenneth Barnes (Portland , 2022-02-27)

#186

Christians should not be so threatened by information. Something doesn't add up

Jason Smith (Sturgis, 2023-01-20)



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