BACKGROUND
Ms. Murphy was terminated due to violating a book ban made apparent by local news by giving one of her students, Gary, “Jack of Hearts(and other parts)” by L. C. Rosen, a book on the banned list. The book being about a gay teen connected with Gary’s situation, as he was struggling with his sexual preferences whilst being in a conservative household. He was told that his father would “pray the gay out of him.” Ms. Murphy hosts a book club, children from many backgrounds, races, sexualities, self identifications, all go to Ms. Murphy for support. She gives the students books that cater to the students' situation and offers support, acceptance, and knowledge that they aren’t the only ones going through the same situations.
ANALYSIS
Terminating Ms. Murphy, due to a banned book, violates the First Amendment and the Board overreached when punishing her for providing a book for off-
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Murphy was terminated due to violating a book ban by giving one of her students, Gary, a banned book. The book being about a gay teen had fallen into the collection of books that are going banned across America. Murphy believes the Board of Education violates the First Amendment and overreached when punishing her for providing a book for off- premise use. Another Board of Education in 1968 also dealt with letting go of a teacher due to expression of beliefs, opinions, and propositions, fortunately the Supreme Court sided with the teacher rather than take the side of the Board trying to “clean” the school.
Book censorship in schools have been debated for years, as more and more people are exploring themselves whether that is sexually, or even just showing an interest in educating themselves in the topics. In 2021 alone, more than 111 bills were passed in the United States banning books or creating restrictions. Not only was Ms. Murphy wronged, her students also lost their right to receive and information and ideas, which is another part of the First