History of Challenges

History of Censorship and Challenges to
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Alabama State Textbook Committee, 1983

In 1983 four members of the Alabama State Textbook Committee got I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings banned for 'inciting hatred toward white people"

Benning, California, 1991

Several parents complained about the book's depiction of child molestation and declared it to be 'morally and religiously offensive smut' The book was removed from the curriculum,

Amador Valley High School, 1992

A parent of a student complained about the book's explicit language, although the book was retained in the curriculum.

Caledonia Middle School, 1993

Haines City, Florida, 1993

Hooks High School, Texas, 1993

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was challenged in several schools throughout the country for being too explicit for school curriculum. The book was ultimately retained.

Dowling High School, 1994
Ponderosa High School, 1994
Westwood High School, 1994

The book was challenged because by parents who called it 'a lurid tale of sexual perversion.' Parents at Westwood High School also criticized the work for its depiction of homosexuality, and require parent's permission

Hamilton, Montana, 2002
Fairfax County, Virginia, 2002

Parents had issues with the topics of rape, premarital sex, molestation, and homosexuality. Parents Against Bad Books in School intervened in Fairfax County on behalf of parents to argue that the novel among others should be removed from elementary and secondary schools.