North Carolina Is On A List Of States With The Most Banned Or Challenged Books

It feels as if over the last few years the attempts to ban or challenge books is on the rise.  And, the numbers indicate that's the case.  Then, I see that one of the states with the most banned books or challenges is North Carolina.

According to a story from U.S. News, the American Library Association released data showing that the number of attempts sharply increased in 2023 over 2022.  Attempts soared to a 20 year high in the U.S. in 2022.  However, data from the first 8 months of 2023 showed nearly 700 attempts to restrict access to nearly 2000 different titles.

So, how do these attempts to ban or challenge books start?  Well, citizens usually begin with local petitions to remove certain books from public schools.  And, understandably so, the ALA points out that many of the challenged books contain sexually explicit content among other topics.  North Carolina came in at number 9 with 114 titles challenged and 18 attempts to restrict access.  North Carolina's most challenged book in 2022 was "Looking For Alaska."

Of course, I'm not one to be a huge believer in banning artistic materials.  However, there needs to be common sense judgement applied.  First of all, minor children don't need access to adult materials.  But then, who decides what's appropriate?  It certainly does not need to be required reading for the student.  And, I am a firm believer that parents need to play an active role in what students are reading.  We decide when and how to introduce certain sensitive topics.

Obviously, it's difficult to police everything the kids see, read or hear.  After all, I remember my middle school friends and I passing around things that would have made our parents blush.  There was "Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret."  And, then we snuck "Forever" into our math books to read during breaks.  Yeah, we were rebels.  And, we survived.

But, that was about as racy as our content got.  These days, it seems some of the stuff creeping onto the shelves is there for shock value.  Anyway, my 'child' is a college senior.  Lately, I'm happy if he just reads my texts!  See here for the full list of states with the most banned or challenged books.

Yesterday 8 North Carolina schools were named National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. According to the Department of Education, "the recognition is based on a school's overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups on assessments. These schools demonstrate what is possible to make an enduring, positive difference in students' lives." A total of 353 schools nationwide received this distinction, this included 313 public schools and 40 private schools. Each of the 8 North Carolina schools recognized was a public school.

The award-winning schools will be formally recognized at an awards ceremony on November 16 and 17, 2023 in Washington, DC. This is the 40th year the Department of Education has selected the National Blue Ribbon Schools. According to the department the criteria for public schools are as follows:

Performance Award Criteria for Public Schools: In order to be eligible for nomination, a school must meet several criteria based on the performance of its students on state assessments in reading (or English language arts) and mathematics or a composite of performance on these assessments with other measures of student performance (e.g., student growth on state assessments, performance on state assessments in other subjects, graduation rates, or other indicators in the state’s accountability system).

You can read more about the eligibility requirements here. Congratulations to each of these eight North Carolina Schools that received the National Blue Ribbon Schools recognition. They represent elementary, middle, and high schools across the state. In fact, there are 7 different school districts represented with the remaining school being a charter school. Keep reading to see and learn a little more about each of these schools. Congratulations and thank you to the teachers and staff of these schools for giving your best to the children of North Carolina!

Location: 5337 Highway 264 East, Washington, NC

District: Beaufort County Schools

Public

Beaufort County Early College High School exists in coordination with Beaufort County Community College where students can earn college credits while in high school. It's one of only two high schools that made this list.

Location: 1355 Charlotte Highway, Fairview, NC

District: Buncombe County Schools

Public

There are actually several Fairview Elementary Schools in Charlotte. This one though is in Buncombe County and has approximately 660 students in Kindergarten through Fifth grade.

Location: 4049 Battleground Avenue, Greensboro

District: n/a

Public

Greensboro Academy is a charter school in Greensboro. Charter Schools offer a private school quality eduction but for free. Students simply have to apply for admission which is available to any student in NC. Greensboro Academy serves grades K-8.

Location: 70 Sanders Road, Wilmington

District: New Hanover County Schools

Public

Known as Bellamy Elementary School, this award-winning school serves students in grades 1-5 in Wilmington, NC.

Location: 1600 N Morris Street, Gastonia

District: Gaston County Schools

Public

Our second and last high school on this list, is Highland School of Technology in Gastonia. Highland is the first magnet high school in this district. Students complete courses in one of three academies: Health Sciences; Business, Legal, and Information Sciences; and Manufacturing/Engineering Technology and Graphics. 

Location: 5925 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Charlotte, NC

District: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools

Public

Jay M Robinson is a 6-8th grade middle school in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte. It's home to the Chargers!

Location: 6260 E Blalock Road, Lucama NC

District: Wilson County Schools

Public

Lucama serves students in Wilson County in grades K-5. They state the school's purpose is to develop each student to their fullest potential.

Location: 1885 Odell School Road, Concord, NC

District: Cabarrus County Schools

Public

Odell Elementary is a grades 3-5 elementary school in Concord, NC.