Next Chapter is a passionate sixth-grade Community Problem Solving team based in West Windsor, New Jersey. As a community problem solving team, their focus is to bridge the gap between school and the real world. They work with school, district and community organizations to make a positive impact.
This team placed first at the New Jersey Future Problem Solving State Bowl and is headed to the FPS International Conference in Indiana in June!
Their mission this year is to combat the rising trend of book bans and censorship by educating their community about the importance of maintaining access to diverse literature. They aim to foster an environment where books are seen as valuable resources for understanding various perspectives, and where the freedom to read is preserved. By advocating for all books to remain available, Next Chapter is dedicated to creating a more informed and open-minded community.
On Tuesday, May 28th, the West Windsor Council had the pleasure of hearing from this group of students. They introduced us to their mission, their project methodology and requested that the Council pass a Resolution in support of NJ Legislation, known as the “Freedom to Read Act” (S2421/A3446).
Nine students from Grover Middle School led the presentation: Aaryana Dada, Kahil Kadakia, Khush Rathi, Khushi Ayushi Talagadadeevi, Neel Srivatsan, Ozas Singh, Reyaansh Seth, Saanvi Gokhale, and Siddhant Gupta.
Their website, NextChapterGMS.org provides a comprehensive guide to their work and a deep discussion of the issues of book bans. I strongly recommend that you take a look at this incredible resource. Below is a summary of their content.
The Growing Problem of Book Bans: A Threat to Knowledge and Freedom
Book bans are an increasingly alarming issue, often driven by misunderstandings or political agendas. These bans not only restrict the sharing of knowledge and artistic expression but also create a host of societal problems.
Censorship and Controversy: Banning books limits access to diverse perspectives, particularly on controversial topics, stifling open discourse and critical thinking.
Impact on Marginalized Communities: Targeted bans can stigmatize marginalized students, exacerbating mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Counterproductive Curiosity: Ironically, banning books can heighten curiosity and lead to underground circulation, making it harder to address genuine concerns.
Subjective Standards: The criteria for bans are often inconsistent, reflecting the biases of those in power, leading to confusion and distrust in educational and cultural institutions.
Notable Examples of Banned Books
"Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz: Banned for its discussion of climate change and fear-inducing elements.
"Harry Potter" by J.K. Rowling: Banned due to its portrayal of magic, conflicting with certain religious beliefs.
"Ruby Bridges": Banned for its coverage of history, social justice, and race, despite its importance in educating about civil rights.
“Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe: Banned because its main character identifies in the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Role of Community Education
Educating communities about the importance of diverse literature is crucial. Next Chapter is committed to fighting book bans and promoting freedom of expression, ensuring that every page of knowledge is accessible to all. For more information, visit Next Chapter.
I have shared a draft version of a resolution for the Council and Mayor to review. If you’d like to see such a resolution passed, please contact your local representatives. They can be reached at Council@westwindsortwp.com and Mayor@westwindsortwp.com
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