I have been struggling for weeks to find the best words to articulate why banning books is not in the best interest of anyone. I’ve been looking for words to express this in a way that seems less emotional and, arguably, more rational. What I’ve come to realize is how impossible that task is because the idea of banning books evokes all the emotions and feelings — anger, frustration, confusion, alarm, sadness — and it should!

Books allow people to learn, understand, and connect. They teach us about ourselves and the world around us. Books ultimately help us learn empathy and compassion. Books save lives, in so many ways.

Since learning to write my first word — “love” — I have spent my entire life trying to embody that message. Everything I do or have done both professionally and personally comes from a place of love. Seeing this battle in our school goes against that. Banning books gives way to more hate and more intolerance. It closes the door on learning and acceptance. It creates yet another barrier for us all to become connected.

Banning books is the opposite of love. It is the opposite of education. In fact, it is the opposite of freedom, which our country is supposed to be founded on.

I stand in solidarity with our teachers who show up every day for our children despite all the obstacles they endure.

I stand in solidarity with our fellow community members who are being targeted with more hate.

I stand in solidarity with the folks who just want to live and thrive.

I stand in solidarity with LOVE.

Angela Scavo, Psychologist

Middlebury