Lexington School Board Votes to Retain ‘The Hunger Games’ in Schools

News Summary

The Lexington County School Board has decided to keep ‘The Hunger Games’ in the curriculum despite a formal complaint from a local parent. The book, which has sparked significant debate over its themes of violence and survival, will continue to be available for students at Lakeside Middle School. Supporters argue for its educational value in promoting critical thinking, while concerns regarding its appropriateness for younger readers have risen. The decision highlights ongoing discussions about literature in education and its cultural implications.

Lexington School Board Decides to Keep ‘The Hunger Games’ in Curriculum Despite Complaints

Residents of Lexington, South Carolina, recently witnessed a heated and emotional debate over the popular book, The Hunger Games, as the local school board gathered to vote on whether to keep the book in the school curriculum. This latest decision has sparked conversations about what our children should read in school, and the implications of the stories we choose to share with them.

The Controversy Begins

The discussion began when a local mother, whose child attends Lakeside Middle School, formally complained back in December about the inclusion of The Hunger Games in the school’s curriculum. The mother expressed her concern that the book, which is part of a dystopian trilogy that also includes Catching Fire and Mockingjay, might not be suitable for young readers. Her request was simple but firm: restrict access to high school students alone.

This gripping but grim narrative follows teenagers fighting to the death in a televised competition, sparking uneasiness for some parents. The trilogy has garnered immense popularity among children aged 12 to 18, and it was later adapted into a blockbuster film series, making it even more recognizable to the younger crowd.

A Closer Look at the Curriculum

At Lakeside Middle School, students had the opportunity to experience The Hunger Games as part of their curriculum. However, the school offered students an option to opt-out and pick an alternative dystopian novel, ensuring that every child could engage with literature that resonated with them personally.

Support for the Novel

The document listed various concerns such as violence, murder, child sacrifice, underage drinking, and even suicide, sparking further discussions on the appropriateness of such themes for middle school students.

A Stand for Critical Thinking

The school board listened to both sides carefully, including the voice of a student who spoke up in support of keeping the book. This student made a compelling argument about how reading such narratives prompts meaningful discussion among peers and allows for critical thinking about serious societal issues.

The Board’s Decision

After weighing all considerations, the Lexington County School Board reached a decision. With five members advocating for the continuance of The Hunger Games in the school curriculum and only one member opposed, the board voted to retain the book. However, it’s worth noting that the decision may still face an appeal to the state board of education, as there’s a possibility for further examination on the topic.

Background on Book Challenges

This formal complaint marks the first of its kind within the district under new state regulations. It is worth mentioning that The Hunger Games has faced challenges across the United States, ranking as the 12th most challenged book from 2010 to 2019, according to data from the American Library Association. With the new trend of state educational boards removing books from public schools, this case has broader implications for literature in education.

As it stands, parents, students, and school administrators alike continue to discuss what literature is appropriate for young minds, fanning the flames of a debate that shows no signs of simmering down anytime soon. The saga of The Hunger Games in Lexington serves as a reminder that the world of school literature can be just as intricate and divisive as the stories themselves.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• WIS TV: Lexington School Board Considers Removing ‘The Hunger Games’
• Wikipedia: The Hunger Games
• The State: Lexington School Board Discussion on ‘The Hunger Games’
• Google Search: The Hunger Games school curriculum
• Post and Courier: Hunger Games Ban in Lexington
• Encyclopedia Britannica: The Hunger Games
• MSN: Lexington School Board Vote on ‘The Hunger Games’
• Google News: Hunger Games curriculum debate

Author: HERE Lexington