Talking with the Class of ’99 about Censorship at their School

“Good evening, Class of 1999! It’s lovely to see so many familiar faces here today as we celebrate our 25th reunion. Tonight, as you catch up with old friends and reminisce about our time here, I want to take a few moments to talk about something incredibly important that has been affecting our school – and many others – since we graduated.

You might remember our school librarian, Mrs. Johnson. She dedicated over 30 years of her life to this school, creating a library that was a safe haven for many of us—a place where we explored new worlds through books, engaged in stimulating discussions, and found resources that supported our academic and personal growth. Unfortunately, Mrs. Johnson was fired last month for standing up for the right of all students to read freely in our school library. Her dismissal is a stark reminder of the challenges readers face today.

Since we graduated, there has been a troubling increase in censorship and book bans in schools across the country. These bans often target books that explore diverse perspectives, discuss complex social issues, or simply challenge the status quo. Many of these books promote understanding and empathy, featuring protagonists from various backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ characters and people of color.

We have come far as a society since we graduated in 1999. Society is becoming more tolerant. We can talk about race in new ways, and gay marriage is legal. These changes are progress toward a more inclusive society. But the effects of censorship are deeply troubling and negate that progress. Students today are being denied the opportunity to read books that reflect their own experiences or open their eyes to the experiences of others. 

As alumni of this school, we have a unique and powerful voice. We are now parents, community leaders, and professionals who understand the value of education and the importance of reading. For many of us, the school library was a place of discovery and growth. If we don’t take a stand now, the next generation of students could lose access to books that help them develop into well-rounded individuals. 

The rise of censorship and the attempts to criminalize librarians for doing their jobs are attacks on the very heart of what our school stands for. As graduates of this school, your voice in defending students’ rights to read and access books carries a lot of weight. If you believe in freedom, use your voice to advocate for academic freedom. Write letters to the school board, attend meetings, and share your support on social media.

If we don’t act now, we risk allowing a small, vocal minority to dictate what is available in our school libraries. The consequences of inaction are dire. Let’s make the next decade one of positive change and support for our school’s library and our students’ rights.”