At the ACLU of Ohio, we oppose censorship in all its forms. From books and radio to film, television, and the internet, we fight to ensure Ohioans have the right to read, watch, and learn without fear of government suppression. Book banning is one of the most common and pervasive forms of censorship in our society. However, the freedom to read is fundamental to our democracy.
This Banned Books Week, our staff is providing their suggestions for banned books to explore and reflections on censorship in today’s political climate.
“My banned book suggestion is Fun Home by Alison Bechdel. Banned Books Week feels especially urgent this year, at a time when the Thought Police in our state and federal governments are escalating their draconian efforts to suppress speech they do not like. We cannot and must not abide this modern era of McCarthyism.”
– Sean McCann, Policy Strategist
“I would say one of my favorite banned books is Persepolis which I read in a first-year memoir as literature class in university and it ended up being one of my favorite things I have read for school.”
– Riley Taylor, Southwest Ohio Advocacy Strategist
“As a musical theatre lover, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire is one of my favorites. In addition to being a fantastic musical and now 2-part movie, it is a story that begs us to question truths and to live boldly.”
– Cindy Tomm, Chief Donor Relations Officer
“A friend introduced me to Octavia Butler a few years ago. Her writing is incredible, she tells such complex, compelling stories, but in our current political climate, her voice is more important than ever. If you haven’t read Kindred yet, add it to your list at once, along with everything else Ms. Butler wrote.”
– Sara Tkac, Digital Design Strategist
“I always loved reading anything Judy Blume growing up, and I know how beloved of an author she was and still is to many. For young people especially, books can offer such solace, as well as an avenue to explore new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. Attempting to shield our youth from those opportunities through book bans is a dangerous step back for our communities. We all deserve the ability to read and learn freely.”
– Sheila Smith, Senior Public Relations Strategist
“Dramatic literature and performance has often struck fear in the heart of the ruling elite. You can go back to Aristophanes’ Lysistrata (Athens, 411 BC) or Pierre Beaumarchais’ The Marriage of Figaro (Paris, 1784), which Louis XVI forbade from being produced, remarking that for the play to be performed, the Bastille must fall. More recently, and closer to home, Mae West’s Sex (New York, 1926), Lillian Hellman’s The Children’s Hour (Boston, 1935), and Qui Nguyen’s She Kills Monsters (Hillsboro, Ohio, 2021) have been forbidden by local authorities. What must fall today to stop government censorship?”
– James Kosmatka, Director of Finance and Operations
“My favorite banned book is The Bluest Eye by fellow Ohioan Toni Morrison! Banned Books Week uplifts a variety of stories, and the right to read freely is essential to understanding the world around us.”
– Hayley Cymerman, Public and Donor Relations Intern
The right to free expression includes the freedom to read whatever we choose. The ACLU of Ohio is committed to protecting this critical civil liberty not only during Banned Books Week, but year-round.