Growing up in a Christian household, I was often encouraged to explore both religious and secular literature. This exposure helped shape my critical thinking skills and allowed me to see the world from multiple perspectives. However, recently, the United Conservative Party (UCP) has initiated a concerning movement to ban books in our schools, deemed 'graphic' or 'inappropriate'. Among these often targeted works are classical and influential pieces of literature that have historically contributed to educational development and cultural understanding.

In this wave of censorship, we need to address the contradictions inherent in these bans. If the rationale for removal is content deemed as violent or graphic, many undeniably influential religious texts, including the Bible, should also be considered under the same scrutiny. The Bible contains vivid depictions of violence, such as stoning, crucifixions, and violence against women. These scenes are arguably as graphic as those found in the books targeted by the bans.

This suggestion is not about criticizing Christianity, nor is it about undermining religious values. As someone raised within the Christian faith, I value the teachings of kindness, humility, and integrity, which are integral parts of the religion. However, it is vital to address the inconsistencies within policy decisions that directly impact the educational framework of our schools.

If we demand that literature within school libraries upholds certain standards, whether on themes of violence, morality, or appropriateness, it should apply evenly and uniformly across all texts.

I urge stakeholders within the education system, government policymakers, and the wider community to consider this issue with fairness and consistency. It is not about targeting a specific religious text but about maintaining a fair, unbiased approach to literary material available to students.

Please join me in urging our leaders to amend literature bans in schools to include texts that do not meet the same criteria set for others. Sign this petition to help ensure that educational standards are applied equally and fairly, fostering environments of true learning and growth for all students.