A Miami school has restricted students’ access to a poem by African American Amanda Gorman that was read at the presidential inauguration. Joe Biden in 2021, deeming it unsuitable for younger children, an organization opposed to US book bans said today.

The students’ mother, Daley Salinas, demanded the removal of five books from Bob Graham’s school library in late March, alleging they “politically indoctrinated” the children with documents obtained by the Florida Reading Freedom Project. Among these books was the poem “Oh lo

when we rise,” which Gorman recited at Biden’s inauguration. The poet, who was then 22 years old, made a splash, and many of her works were on the bestseller lists at the time.

The Hill We Climb was intended to convey hope and unity to a divided country. Written after the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

The book has been moved to the section of the library intended for students over 11 years of age.

The decision brings back to the news the debate over book bans, a particularly sensitive issue in the US. Amid a “culture war” between Republicans and Democrats, some conservative states are trying to control literature by banning school libraries from works that they think are homosexual, progressive, or simply too shocking. Even classics like Toni Morrison’s novels or Art Spiegelman’s award-winning Mouse have been targeted by school districts.

Amanda Gorman, while last on the “banned” list, said she was “surprised,” noting that it “infringes on freedom of expression and speech.”

However, in their written decision, the Miami School Board recognized the educational value of the poem, noting that Gorman is “the youngest poet in U.S. history whose writings were read at a presidential inauguration.”

Source: APE-MPE, Reuters.