Photo Caption: Rowan College of South Jersey–Gloucester students created artwork for the College's inaugural celebration of Banned Books Week.
 
RCSJ Hosts Inaugural Banned Books Week in October

Rowan College of South Jersey's (RCSJ) Banned Books Committee hosted its inaugural Banned Books Week celebration from October 5-11 on the Gloucester campus. Banned Books Week is an annual event that began in 1982 and celebrated across the United States. Its goal is to highlight the importance of free speech and the dangers of censorship.

This year's theme, announced by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Banned Books Week Coalition, was “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights." 

Throughout the week, the RCSJ campus community participated in events such as a Silent Book Club Reading, Open Mic and Trivia, and a free movie screening of “The Hunger Games." There was also a “Blind Date with a Banned Book" table where more than 200 books were given to those in attendance. 

Victoria Bowman, English faculty member in RCSJ's Division of Communication and Creative & Performing Arts, said Banned Books Week was inspired by George Orwell's “1984," and focused on raising awareness about the rise in banned and challenged books across the U.S.

“The inaugural Banned Books Week celebration at RCSJ was designed as a campus-wide initiative celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of academic expression and inquiry," Bowman said. “This three-day event brought together students, faculty, and staff in a powerful demonstration of intellectual solidarity."

Bowman noted that a cornerstone of intellectual freedom is for people to have the ability to choose what they read. 

“Open access to ideas is essential to learning," she said. “By celebrating the right to read, we're encouraging our students to explore, question, and grow into thoughtful, informed members of society."

According to ALA documented research, “… 821 attempts to censor materials and services at libraries, schools, and universities," took place in 2024. A few of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024, according to the ALA, include “The Bluest Eye," by Toni Morrison; “Sold," by Patricia McCormick; and “Gender Queer: A Memoir," by Maia Kobabe.

“Censorship is a slippery slope," said Annie MacKenzie, RCSJ campus administrator, and member of the College's Banned Books Committee. “There might be certain books that you think should be banned, but what is stopping them from coming for all other books once they finish banning those you deem inappropriate?" 

Throughout the week, attendees discovered books such as “Dracula," “The Handmaid's Tale," “The Kite Runner," and “Lord of the Flies," were on banned and challenged books lists.

Bowman added, “While I'm no longer surprised by the growing list of banned and challenged books – both classic and contemporary – what continues to sadden me most are the bans on children's literature and picture books. These stories are often a child's first glimpse into empathy … and imagination.

“Challenging or removing them feels like a loss not just for young readers, but for anyone who values the transformative power of storytelling."

Several RCSJ students shared their thoughts about freedom of speech and the banning of books.

What Banned Books Week events did you participate in? Which event was your favorite, and why?

Anthony P., 17, Computer Science major: I participated in the Silent Book club reading and the open mic. I liked the open mic because of everything that was said and all the different people I saw. 

James D., 48, Radio, Television and Film major: I participated on Thursday, [for] the showing of the film “[The] Hunger Games," and the raffle – [and] to get my surprise book. I like grabbing a book not knowing what it was because it's always nice to read something new to expand your mind. 

Amya J., 21, Health Science/Diagnostic Medical Sonography major: I participated in the Banned Book Matinee and “The Lottery" Drawing. My favorite was the Banned Book Matinee because we watched a movie. I also spoke with others there and had a great conversation on some of the banned books. It was fun and engaging, and I enjoyed the overall experience.

Why do you think it's important for people to be able to choose what they want to read? 

Anthony P.: I think it's important for people to be able to read what they want because people need to choose what they read. … [I]t lets them think for themselves and learn about new ideas and perspectives. 

James D.: I'm a veteran, and I think everyone should have the freedom to read and say what they want. That being said, if you're talking about children, they should have a limit on certain things until they reach a certain age. 

Amya J.: People should be able to choose what they read because everyone should have the right to learn about new ideas and points of view. Reading helps people learn and make up their own minds.

What kind of impact do you think banning books has on a free society?

Anthony P.: Banning books limits knowledge and keeps people from asking questions, which can make a society less free. 

Amya J.: Banning books makes it hard to learn and share ideas. In a free society, banning books takes away people's freedom and stops them from thinking critically about the world around them.

Are there any books that you love that are on a banned books list? 

Anthony P.: I love “[The] Catcher in the Rye." It's a deep understanding book, and I feel a connection to it. 

James D.: None of the books I read are on the banned books list. I read a lot of Stephen King. 

Amya J.: Yes, one of my favorite books that's been banned is “The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger. I was surprised to learn that it was banned because it's such a powerful story about growing up and dealing with emotions. \
How did you feel when you found out some of your favorite books were banned? 

Anthony P.: When I found out [The Catcher in the Rye"] was a banned book, I was surprised, but I can understand why some people would want it banned.

Amya J.: I felt disappointed that it was restricted since it can help a lot of readers relate to the main character's struggles. 

Is there anything else you'd like to add about the importance of Banned Books Week, the importance of freedom of speech, or maybe something else we haven't discussed? 

Anthony P.: I think everyone should have the right to read/talk about what they want. I say this because it is an important topic and if we can't, then it feels like it goes against what we stand for. 

James D.: Being a veteran and fighting for freedom, I think we have divided each other and [are] not respecting each other's opinion[s]. 

Amya J.: I think Banned Books Week is very important because it reminds us that everyone has the right to read and say what they want. It raises awareness about censorship and why it's important to protect the right to hear all kinds of ideas, even the ones that make people uncomfortable. A truly open and fair society needs both freedom of speech and freedom to read. 

For information about Rowan College of South Jersey's Division of Communication and Creative Arts & Performing Arts, visit RCSJ.edu/CCPA ​​