For Hart, the event has even larger implications.
“I think the most important amendment is the First Amendment,” Hart said. “People are always worried about losing the Second Amendment, but as long as we still have freedom of speech, we’ve got a way to stand up for all our other rights.”
The Banned Books Read-Out has been a recurring event at Penn State Scranton since 2018, (having taken a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic), serving as a platform for advocacy, reflection and opposition to censorship. Over the years, it has grown into a meaningful tradition for members of the campus community who believe in intellectual freedom.
It has served to create a time and space where all members of the campus community can come together and share literature that personally resonates with them, Green explained.
“Protecting intellectual freedom is a core personal value of mine, as I believe it is a true hallmark of a free society in which the exchange of ideas is not only permissible but encouraged,” she said. “Organizing the Banned Books Read Out is organizing a celebration of our intellectual freedom.”
For his part, Hart said, he gets a sense of satisfaction from organizing and participating in the event each year.
“I enjoy working with Kristin, the library staff and all who participated in reading from their favorite banned books. It’s quite the eyeopener when you hear what’s being banned in our country,” Hart said. “If you don’t fight for your freedoms every day, you will lose them.”