By Zuly Noriega,
Duncanville High School

Literature covers a wide variety of topics, and the reader is the keeper of the key to the knowledge literature provides. But this isn’t always true when discussing student readers. Rules and restrictions have always been meant to protect and benefit individuals, however shielding students from reading about life obstacles and knowledge in society such as racism, LGBTQ+ representation, gender inequality, religion, and sexual assault does the exact opposite.

Books discussing these topics are often banned or highly restricted in Texas schools, thus stopping the expansion and the knowledge to prepare students for real-world situations. These limitations of literature enforced onto students are what have inspired the State Affairs Forum (SAF) delegates Aanika Dewan and Krrish Patel to propose an opportunity to lift restrictions on books that expose students to societal situations. For Example, “Drama” by Raina Telgemeier, which includes LGBTQ+ representation, and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephan Chbosky discuss sexual assault. When interviewing delegate Aanika, she was asked what her motivation was and she responded, “I tutor kids who love to read, and I believe kids my age should be educated on the topics that are being banned.” Aankika intends to achieve this with her and her partners’ proposal. 

When observing SAF Committee Room 5, delegates Aanika and Krrish, who believe students should have access to all literature, presented their proposal (#104), which tackles this issue by suggesting the course of action of allowing the parents to grant permission regarding the literature content for their child through an online form that is given out every school semester. If permission is granted, students can access books of their choosing, gain freedom and expand their knowledge.

During the pros and cons section, some delegates appreciated the idea but opposed this proposal because they found it ineffective in situations where the parents don’t approve. During an interview with delegate Krish, he was asked what his response to the cons side opinion about the proposal, and he responded, “It is ultimately the parents’ decision, and the online form isn’t meant to be forced.” In addition, con delegates discussed their view that students can always access any book they would like on the internet. In response to this, delegates Aankia and Krrish state, “Not all students have internet access at home.” On the other hand, many delegates such as Crystal Zamora promoted this proposal because of the awareness it brings to serious issues like racism and sexual assault. 

Overall restrictions on topics seen as inappropriate have, for the longest time, taken away the freedom, diversity, and knowledge of students. The attempts of delegates Annika and Krrish’s proposal strives to break this ongoing cycle and give students the opportunity and inclusivity of everyday societal topics. Students can only wish that SAF delegates believe in this proposal and its potential for Texas students’ literature access in the future to come. 

Delegates propose expanding access to books on controversial subjects.