| The Writers’ Union of Canada is
voicing its objection to the banning of the popular American
book on racism, To Kill a Mockingbird.
"This is yet another example of a school principal taking
the easy way out by banning this important book based on a
single parent complaint,” sais Erna Paris, Chair of
the Union. “This is a widely regarded book which deals
with issues of racism and is therefore an important tool for
educators,” she added.
Written by Pulitzer Prize winner Harper Lee, the book deals
with racism in the American south and contains language consistent
with terms people used. Following a complaint by one parent,
the principal of St. Edmund Campion Secondary School in Brampton
decided to pull the book. That decision was supported by Bruce
Campbell, spokesman for the Peel-Dufferin District Catholic
School Board.
"Usually a school will offer alternative material to
children of parents who are uncomfortable with the contents
of books on a curriculum,” said Ms Paris. “To
ban such an important book outright should not be tolerated.
Hopefully, more education-minded decisions will prevail, and
the book will be reinstated.”
Two years ago the same Board banned the book Snow Falling
on Cedars because of sexual terms, but later reinstated
the book. A more controversial issue centred around the removal
of the controversial children’s book, Three Wishes,
by Deborah Ellis by the Toronto District School Board following
lobbying by the Canadian Jewish Congress. It was one of the
few school boards to do so. To Kill a Mockingbird
has been the subject of frequent objections over racial dialogue
in the book but has rarely been banned.
The Writers' Union of Canada is our country's national organization
representing professional authors of books. Founded in 1973,
the Union is dedicated to fostering writing in Canada, and
promoting the rights, freedoms, and economic well being of
all writers. For more information, please visit www.writersunion.ca.
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For additional information:
Deborah Windsor, Executive Director
The Writers’ Union of Canada
416-703-8982 Ext. 221
dwindsor@writersunion.ca
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