America's diversity of cultures is also our most uniting factor. It allows us to see and understand those around us whose experiences differ from ours. Public schools are often the place many children first start are exposed to how diverse our world is. As such, it is essential that there be access to information and stories about all the people that make up our world.

Literature has always been a powerful vehicle for one to share their story and experiences. Removing access to their work removes their voice. When enough voices have been removed due to a small minority group's hateful ideas, they will have silenced the voices of the very children they claim to want to protect. Diversity should be celebrated, not denied.

Who are we looking to protect by barring access to these materials? The curious and eager to learn children? Or a small group of prejudiced parents who want to deny these children their right to learn? Questions should be met with answers, not oppression.

Our well trained teachers must be allowed to do their jobs. A small group of ignorant individuals should not be in charge of deciding what is best for all of our children. Every American certainly has the right to their opinions and values, however they have absolutely no right to decide other peoples'.

Our children should be allowed to learn about all the people that make our country great. They should be able to see themselves reflected in their classroom materials. No child should be denied the opportunity to learn about themselves, especially in the one place where learning is paramount.