Today In Censorshit

A school board in Republic, Missouri has capitulated to Christian demands in their community by banning two books, one being the Kurt Vonnegut classic Slaughterhouse-Five, because it contains ideas contrary to Biblical teachings.  The complaint was leveled against three works, including Sarah Ockler's Twenty Boy Summer (now banned) and Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak, which was kept on library shelves.

"Wesley Scroggins, a Republic resident, challenged the use of the books and lesson plans in Republic schools, arguing they teach principles contrary to the Bible.

"'I congratulate them for doing what's right and removing the two books,' said Scroggins, who didn't attend the board meeting. 'It's unfortunate they chose to keep the other book.'

"Superintendent Vern Minor said the vote brings a conclusion to the complaint filed a year ago. Scroggins told the News-Leader he has yet to give any thought to pursuing this further."

I've never read Slaughterhouse-Five, but the Vonnegut novel has been hailed for decades as a classic challenging the ideas of fate and free will.  I can see Scroggins' objection... clearly the book suggests that God isn't necessarily the one in charge of our ultimate fates.

Of course, if we were to throw out all material in public schools that contradicted Biblical thought, we would have to get rid of most of the science curriculum, but whatevs.