Toledo, Ohio — On Tuesday, lawmakers and literacy advocates in Ohio marked the birthday of Toni Morrison, one of America’s most frequently banned authors, with a passionate defense of difficult texts they fear could be impacted by growing efforts to limit diversity initiatives and the teaching of “controversial” topics in schools.
Ohio established Toni Morrison Day in 2020, naming it in honor of the late Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author who was born and raised in northeast Ohio. Known for groundbreaking works such as The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon, and Beloved, Morrison’s literature is revered for its depth in addressing themes of race, identity, and history.
At a news conference held in Columbus, children’s author Elisa Stone Leahy, who is also affiliated with Right to Read Ohio and Authors Against Book Bans, stressed the importance of engaging with challenging literature, even when it deals with tough subjects.
“Morrison’s powerful, incredible stories may be difficult, but they also change lives,” Leahy said. “They serve as an inspiration to current authors, many of whom are deeply concerned about the growing trend to limit access to these kinds of works. Words are powerful, and that means they’re dangerous. I write for kids, and we all want what’s best for them, but the answer isn’t censorship — the answer’s connection. We have to have conversations with our children.”
Her remarks came amid a larger, national movement aimed at pushing back against what some conservatives label as “wokeness” in schools. In Ohio, the well-funded Protect Ohio Children Coalition has led efforts to target school boards and districts accused of promoting what it deems “dangerous and radical materials.” The coalition has posted an “indoctrination map” on its website, calling out school districts for allegedly promoting controversial content to students.
State Representative Joe Miller, a Democrat whose district includes Morrison’s hometown of Lorain, joined the conversation by emphasizing the role of reading in developing critical thinking skills and empathy in children.
“Developing a love of reading at a young age can spark creativity, broaden perspectives, and foster understanding of people who are different from ourselves,” said Miller. “Toni Morrison learned to read and write using chalk on the sidewalk in her hometown of Lorain, and she often said, ‘Everything I do starts here.’”
Miller also highlighted a recent event at the Lorain Public Library that celebrated the writings of young authors. However, he expressed concern that cuts to funding, such as those impacting programs like The Big Read — an initiative funded by the National Endowment for the Arts — could hinder similar opportunities for future generations.
“That funding probably is going to go,” Miller warned. “And that is going to take away an opportunity.”
Sharon Hawkins, director of Right to Read Ohio, also spoke out in defense of free speech, emphasizing that children have a constitutional right to access diverse materials and ideas, particularly in educational settings.
“The constitutional right to free speech applies to reading, which is the receiving of speech,” Hawkins said. “Courts have repeatedly protected the right of students to access materials, even those that some might find objectionable. These protections are essential, and we, the people — Republicans, independents, and Democrats alike — overwhelmingly support our local libraries and librarians.”
Morrison’s legacy, and the ongoing debates around censorship and access to diverse literature, remain at the heart of discussions in Ohio and across the nation. As schools grapple with the complexities of what students should read, many advocates are calling for a balance that prioritizes open dialogue, intellectual freedom, and the transformative power of literature.