Texas school district bans critically acclaimed young adult novel ‘The Hate U Give’
'The Hate U Give,' a critically acclaimed novel written by Angie Thomas, has been banned by the Katy Independent School District in Texas, which includes 15 junior high schools and eight high schools, reports Quartz.
The book's central character is a 16-year-old girl who witnessed the fatal police shooting of her young, black friend, who is unarmed.
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It also peppered with what Maria DiPetta, the school district's manager of media relations, describes as "pervasive vulgarity."
In early November, a parent raised the profanity issue and soon after the school district banned the novel, Vulture reported.
That action has spurred some to push back.
Librarians in the district signed a petition of protest over the move and the director of the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom noted the decision is a policy violation.
The book's author has weighed in on the issue as well, commenting, "I get it — some educators have an issue with the language."
"But I wrote it because I have a HUGE issue with how little value is given to black lives," she said. "I can only hope that you'll look past the curse words and see that."
I get it - some educators have an issue with the language. I will not criticize anyone for that. But I wrote it because I have a HUGE issue with how little value is given to black lives. I can only hope that you'll look past the curse words and see that.
— Angie Thomas (@angiecthomas) December 1, 2017
At this time, the ban on the book stands.
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