Banned Books at Central York and the Students Who Fought It

Sep 29, 2021

In August, staff at Central York High School were issued a long list of materials that could not be used in classroom instruction, per a ban by the district's board. What all of the resources had in common was that they were by or about people of color.

This embed will serve content from {{ domain }}. See our privacy statement

In August, staff at Central York High School were issued a long list of materials that could not be used in classroom instruction, per a ban by the district's board. What all of the resources had in common was that they were by or about people of color.

After the situation became public in a story by the York Dispatch, students and staff at Central York fought back, staging multiple protests and bringing local and national media attention to the school's censorship. On September 20, the school board rescinded the ban, although the board stated that it will further review the materials later this fall.

In this episode, we talk with three students and two teachers who were in the middle of the pushback against the ban.

Related Content

Podcast
Apr 30, 2024
Speaking Freely logo
  • Student & Youth Rights|
  • +4 Issues

Schools Where Everyone is Welcome

Historically, America’s public schools have been spaces where debates and resistance to civil liberties have played out. From racial integration to political protests, protecting the rights of students has been central to the story of constitutional rights.
News & Commentary
Jul 08, 2024
Group of Central Bucks students, parents, and teachers at a demonstration
  • TLGBQIA+ High School Students|
  • +2 Issues

Why we co-founded the Pennsylvanians for Welcoming and Inclusive Schools coalition

We won’t stand by as right-wing school board members contract with a hate group to target the most vulnerable students to score political points.
News & Commentary
Oct 07, 2022
Central Bucks blog photo
  • TLGBQIA+ Equality|
  • +3 Issues

Why we’ve taken legal action against Central Bucks School District

School should be a safe place for all students. It should be an environment that fosters creativity and the free exchange of ideas.
News & Commentary
Oct 01, 2021
Edha Gupta at protest
  • Student & Youth Rights|
  • +2 Issues

Central York Students Deserve to Learn America’s Real History

How does the school board expect Central students to grow when they are educated on a partial, obscured, whitewashed understanding of the history of America?