Date of Award
Spring 4-18-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS)
Abstract
Diverse children's literature plays a crucial role in fostering empathy, self-esteem, and inclusivity in classrooms. However, recent trends show a growing movement to ban books, particularly in Catholic institutions, due to concerns about sexual diversity. This paper explores the conflict between book banning and Catholic teachings, arguing that core Catholic values of love, respect, and dignity support the inclusion of diverse literature. Using a case study of the Diocese of Green Bay’s ban on Scholastic Book Fairs, alongside scholarly research on representation, this paper presents ethical, theological, and pedagogical reasons why Catholic classrooms should embrace diverse books and why Catholic social teaching is pointing us in this direction.
Recommended Citation
Gossen, Kelly, "The Price of Silence: How Banning Sexually Diverse Books Affects Student Understanding and Inclusion in Catholic Schools" (2025). Master of Arts Liberal Studies Theses. 19.
https://digitalcommons.snc.edu/mlstheses/19
