Think about a time you finished reading a book that provided a new meaning and connection to you. Now imagine that book that changed and shaped a part of you being banned, unavailable to new readers.
This is why the Kent State University community came together for an open mic night during Banned Books Week, providing a safe and welcoming space for open discussion and ideas about banned and challenged books.
The fourth annual Read-In was held on Sept. 25 in Taylor Hall. Pizza and refreshments were available for attendees as two of the sponsors, Her Campus at Kent State and Flash Activities Board (FAB) had tables set up to engage students.
Aiyana Stovall, a junior communication studies major and social media coordinator for Her Campus at Kent State, told Kent State Today that the organization wants to encourage reading.
“We are here giving out blind dates with a book to help promote reading,” Stovall said. “There’s a mixture of a few banned books as well as some really popular books and all books here were donated by Her Campus members.”
Hosts Stephanie Smith, associate professor in the School of Communication Studies and the College of Communication and Information, and Paul Haridakis, director of communication studies, kicked off the evening.
Haridakis encouraged students to spend the night expressing and celebrating their freedom.
Smith, donning a t-shirt stating, “A Society That Bans Books is Not Free,” reiterated to students the event's purpose.
“This is a night where you should feel safe, and you can speak,” Smith said. “You are among a community who loves you and welcomes you.”
Shortly after introductions, students one after another read book excerpts and discussed why the book they selected has been banned or challenged and what it means to them.
Aislinn Foran, a junior communication studies major and Her Campus at Kent State president, said that one of her favorite banned books, "The Giver,” had a lasting impact on her since reading it for the first time in middle school.
“I read it back in middle school, and I immediately had an attachment,” Foran said. “I want other kids to have the same experience that I did with that book.”
Some of the other challenged books that were mentioned by students during the event were “The Crucible,” “Where the Wild Things Are,” and “The Great Gatsby.”
While the night was focused on book bans, the conversation of song bans was also discussed.
Scott MacPherson, retired professor of music and former director of choral studies at Kent State, and David Hassler, Bob and Walt Wick executive director of the Wick Poetry Center, guided and informed students of two banned songs, “Resilience” and “Puff the Magic Dragon,” and had everyone join in to sing together.
In addition to the discussions and excerpt readings, the book character costume contest had students dressed head-to-toe in outfits representing notable characters from different books.
Sophomore fashion design major, CC Stefanik, took first place dressed as “The Hungry Caterpillar.”
Jess Edmisten, a junior communication studies major, said that as an avid reader and supporter of free speech, she feels attending an event like this is important.
“I am not for book bans at all, and I think one of the best things you can do is to continue reading books that are controversial and have deep topics,” Edmisten said. “I think people should keep pushing for books not to be banned.”
As the event concluded, Smith made it a point to remind the attendees of the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
“Stand for your rights: your right to read, your right to gather knowledge as you wish and your right to express yourself,” Smith said.