Student Activism Against Censorship in Lancaster County

In recent years, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has witnessed significant controversies surrounding book bans in schools, particularly those addressing race, LGBTQ+ issues, and mental health. The Central York School District gained national attention in 2021 when it prohibited teachers from using hundreds of books that reflected the experiences of Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ children. Although the school board later reversed this decision following student protests, the district continues to face community complaints regarding library materials.

Patricia Jackson, an English teacher at Central York High School, has emerged as a prominent figure in the fight against censorship. During a recent screening of the documentary "The Librarians," she emphasized the need for community members to actively participate in the struggle against censorship. “I need co-conspirators. I need you to be in the arena with me,” Jackson stated, urging attendees to join her in advocating for intellectual freedom.

The documentary highlights a broader trend of censorship in educational settings, with local groups like Moms for Liberty playing a significant role in promoting challenges to books deemed inappropriate. This group has been instrumental in influencing school board policies across several Lancaster County districts, including Elizabethtown Area, Hempfield, Ephrata Area, Pequea Valley, and Warwick.

The activism of students has proven to be a powerful force in reversing censorship policies. Jackson noted that students from the Central York High School Panther Anti-Racist Union were pivotal in flipping the school board to a Democratic majority, showcasing the impact of youth engagement. “When the children get involved and start telling their stories — that is where the real power lies,” she remarked.

Authors A.S. King and Laurie Halse Anderson, who have faced book bans themselves, participated in the panel discussion following the film screening. King expressed her commitment to continue writing as a form of resistance against censorship, stating, “All censorship does is undermine intelligence.” The panel emphasized not only the effects of censorship on children but also the potential for students to take action against it.

Amanda Deck, a public school librarian and member of the Pennsylvania Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Task Force, highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by censorship in local schools. She noted that there is a systematic approach in Pennsylvania where pro-censorship groups elect individuals to school boards to facilitate the removal of books from libraries.

In a statement regarding the recent book challenges, Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams clarified that none of the targeted books met the legal definitions of pornographic or obscene content, underscoring the contentious nature of these debates.

• “I don’t need allies. I don’t need supporters” — Patricia Jackson, English Teacher

• “All censorship does is undermine intelligence,” — A.S. King, Author

• “When the children get involved and start telling their stories — that is where the real power lies,” — Patricia Jackson, English Teacher

The ongoing battle against censorship in Lancaster County schools illustrates the critical role of student activism and community engagement in shaping educational policies. As local educators and authors continue to advocate for intellectual freedom, the involvement of students remains a key factor in driving change and resisting censorship.