Utah has banned Stephen King's novella collection Different Seasons from all public schools in the state, following decisions by four school districts to remove it from their libraries. The ban, effective July 6, 2023, was triggered by the Davis, Jordan, Tooele, and Washington school districts determining that the book contains 'objective sensitive material' as defined under Utah law.
Background on the banned book
Published in 1982, Different Seasons includes four novellas: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption: Hope Springs Eternal, Apt Pupil: Summer of Corruption, The Body: Fall from Innocence, and The Breathing Method: A Winter's Tale. These stories inspired classic films such as Stand by Me (based on The Body) and The Shawshank Redemption (based on Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption). The book had previously been available to students in grades seven through 12.
Utah's book ban mechanism
Under Utah law, a book is removed from all public schools in the state if at least three school districts, or at least two school districts and five charter schools, determine that it contains 'objective sensitive material.' This term is defined as instructional material that constitutes pornographic or indecent content, is harmful to minors, or includes certain fondling or other erotic touching. The Utah State Board of Education maintains a list of banned books, which as of July 15, 2023, includes 35 titles, such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
Ongoing legal challenges
The ban on King's collection comes amid a broader controversy over book removals in Utah. In January 2023, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Utah filed a lawsuit against state officials on behalf of the estate of Kurt Vonnegut and several bestselling authors, arguing that the book bans are 'unconstitutional under the First and Fourteenth Amendments.' According to the ACLU, Utah is 'trampling on the protections guaranteed by the First Amendment.'
Impact and context
Stephen King is the most banned author in US schools, according to a recent report. The removal of Different Seasons reflects a growing trend of book bans across the United States, particularly targeting works with themes of sexuality, violence, or controversial content. The ACLU lawsuit highlights the tension between state efforts to protect minors and constitutional free speech protections.
