Banned Book Week Raises Awareness of Censorship
SALISBURY, MD---What is the price of “free” speech? Is censorship ever a good thing? Salisbury University explores these topics and more during “Banned Book Week: Free Speech Isn’t Free” Friday, September 24-Friday, October 1.
Events begin 5 p.m. Friday, September 24, at Blackwell Library as Dr. Alice Bahr, dean of libraries and instructional services, and Banned Book Week coordinator Susan Brazer present “Follow the Yellow Brick Road: Lions and Censors and Bears, Oh My!” The multimedia display focuses on current issues in censorship.
Faculty band Pugsly performs from 8 p.m.-midnight Saturday, September 25, at Brew River to raise funds for Blackwell Library during “The Music Made Me Do It!”
Dr. Maarten Pereboom, History Department chair, leads a discussion on one of history’s most notorious instances of censorship, presenting “Book Burnings in Nazi Germany” 7 p.m. Monday, September 22, in Henson Science Hall Room 103.
Dr. Michael Moeder of the Communication and Theatre Arts Department hosts a screening and discussion of the 2000 film Deliberate Intent, directed by Andy Wolk, 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 28, in Henson Hall Room 109. The film recounts the true story of a triple homicide in Maryland in which the killer used the book Hit Man as a guide for murder. Moeder asks the question, “Is the author an accomplice?”
Dr. Harry Womack of the Biology Department leads the discussion “Censorship in Biology From Darwin to Anthrax” 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 29, asking questions including, “When is censorship appropriate in modern biology?” and “Who should decide what is censored?”
Dr. Elsie Walker of the English Department hosts a screening and discussion of the 1999 film The Cradle Will Rock, directed by Tim Robbins, 7 p.m. Thursday, September 30, in Fulton Hall Room 111. The film examines the U.S. government’s role in censorship, following an Orson Welles play that was federally funded in the 1930s, then suppressed.
Drs. Ernest Bond and Patricia Richards of the Education Department conclude the week’s activities, speaking on why some of the most beloved children’s literature—including versions of Little Red Riding Hood—is on the banned books list during their presentation “Who’s Afraid of the Big BAN Wolf?” 1 p.m. Friday, October 1, in Caruthers Hall Room 203.
All events are free and the public is cordially invited. For more information call Susan Brazer at 410-546-4370, Dr. Chrys Egan at 410-677-5436 or Dr. Judith Pike at 410-543-6440, or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.