Students at Drury University have not shied away from the conversation over banned books. Sigma Tau Delta, an honorary organization of high achieving English and Writing students, brings that conversation to Drury’s front step, or rather the front step of the library. 

On Thursday, September 22 Sigma Tau Delta is holding their annual Banned Book Reading on the steps of Olin Library. There, students will recite sections of their favorite banned books. 

This issue may be sensitive to local students due to two novels being banned from Nixa high’s library. According to a May 2022 article by Andrew Sullender from the Springfield News-Leader, these two novels include “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic” by Alison Bechdel and “All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir Manifesto” by George M. Johnson. The same article outlines 16 other texts that have been challenged by parents. This list also includes two that some Drury students may recognize: “Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood and “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison. 

President of Sigma Tau Delta, Markee Hebden, discusses the importance of fighting against book banning. She says “by banning books, they take away the voices of those who need it most and instead focus on the voice of the privileged – the voice of the oppressors.” This is a particular issue when you look at the types of books that are being challenged in Nixa. Most either include issues of gender, race and sexuality. 

Markee goes on, “The event will be held on the terrace in front of Olin library from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We have an excellent lineup of faculty, staff, and student readers. There will be trivia and raffles going on throughout the day with bookish prizes from local vendors. Also, coffee and light refreshments.” In our conversation, she concluded by telling me that “these events are small ways to give voices back to people such as Huck Finn, Offred, Pecola, and Lenny. Fictional people that have truly important messages for us, and I think it is imperative we listen to them.” To find a running list of all the books that have been banned or challenged go to The National Library Organization’s website. Reach out to Markee Hebden at mhebden@drury.edu or Dr. Kevin Henderson at khenderson@drury.edu if you want to recite a section of a banned book and give one of your favorite banned characters a voice. 

Article by Rebecca Dixon