Letter: Utah book bans are often framed as protection, but they do more harm than good

Letter: Utah book bans are often framed as protection, but they do more harm than good

In response to the 28th book being banned in all Utah schools as of April 13, we must ask whether restricting access truly protects students — or simply limits their chance to learn in a safe, guided environment. While our views are our own and do not represent the University of Utah, as public health students we recognize that literature helps adolescents explore topics affecting health outcomes, including suicide, STIs, and teenage pregnancy.

Utah Bans Four More Books, Bringing Total to 32

The state of Utah has been on a book banning blitz in 2026. Late last week, the state added four more titles to its list of books that must be removed from every public school in the state. This comes amidst a lawsuit challenging these state-sanctioned bans filed in February. The four new titles added to the list are Life Is Funny by E.R. Frank, The Haters by Jesse Andrews, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, and People Kill People by Ellen Hopkins…