Censorship vs. Education

We've all heard of attempts to have certain books banned in schools. Such calls for censorship usually come from fundamentalist parents or groups who object to such things as language, mature themes, and topics perceived to be "anti-Christian", as in the case of the Harry Potter books.

Up until now, all such censorship attempts have involved books to be read by minors who have not yet graduated from high school. Yesterday, I heard a new twist on the school censorship issue that just boggles my mind.

Ken Wingate, a member of the South Carolina's Council on Higher Education, has made a formal protest of a book that all incoming Clemson freshmen are required to read this summer. Wingate believes that the subject matter is too sexually oriented for young people.

The book, "Truth and Beauty" by Ann Patchett, who will give a lecture at Clemson about the book, is a memoir of a friendship between two women who meet in graduate school.

Claiming that the book lacks moral values and encourages promiscuity, Wingate said, "The book contains a very extensive list of over-the-top sexual and anti-religious references.The explicit message this sends to students is that they are encouraged to find themselves sexually."

Imagine that. Young adults finding themselves sexually. Even though many people this age are over fighting a war in Iraq and are legally able to get married, this man apparently believes that it would be preferable if such adults should remain in the dark about their sexuality.

Wingate went on to say, "The book talks in graphic terms about pornography, about fetishes, masturbation and about multiple sexual partners and seducing fellow students. It is way over the top."

I wonder how many actual 18 year olds this man knows? I can't think of one who would be shocked by any of this. And does he seriously believe that if he succeeded banning this book that these topics would go away and young adults would never think about them? Does he think that treating 18 year olds like 8 year olds in any way adds to a quality university education?

Wingate wrote to Clemson President James Barker, saying, "As a Clemson alumnus, a Clemson parent, and a member of the Commission on Higher Education, I suggest that you pull the plug on the author's lecture and offer an alternative book for the freshmen." He called the university's choice of this book, "a serious lack of judgment".

In response, Clemson has stuck to its guns and will not alter the reading program, at least for this year.

I don't know about you, but I intend to read Patchett's book, even though this probably would not have been a book I'd have chosen otherwise.

Thoughts?