Book Bans and the Marketplace of Ideas

Date/Time
Date(s) - 09/25/2024
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Location
Room 5048, UNC School of Law

Book bans have a long history in the United States. Many books that are now staples in high school English classes and college literature courses were once banned from schools and libraries. To Kill a Mockingbird, The Awakening, and The Scarlet Letter are just a few examples. However, book bans are not a thing of the past. Multiple lawsuits have been brought against school districts who have recently banned books. By limiting what books are consumed by students and the public, the marketplace of ideas becomes less diverse, more isolating, and the First Amendment is weakened.

In honor of First Amendment Day and Banned Books Week, the UNC Media Law Society and OutLaw are hosting a panel to discuss the history and current state of book bans in the United States. Topics will include what types of books are traditionally banned, First Amendment implications of book banning, the modern-day issue of books on gender and identity being banned, and how publishers, activists, and librarians are challenging and responding to book bans.

The panel will include:

  • Dan Novack, Vice President and Associate General Counsel, Penguin Random House ​​
  • Elliott Kuecker, Teaching Assistant Professor, UNC School of Information and Library Science
  • Adrienne Kirschner, Chief Engagement Officer, Red, Wine, and Blue

The conversation will be led by Mary-Rose Papandrea, Samuel Ashe Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law at the UNC School of Law.

Video of the event:

The event is free and open to the public, and lunch will be provided.


Tagged: 1ad2024
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