The book "To Kill a Mockingbird" has been banned or challenged primarily due to its use of racial slurs (especially the N-word), depiction of violence, offensive language, and themes of racism. Some parents and school districts have objected to the book's language and controversial content, arguing it can make students uncomfortable, particularly Black students. There have also been critiques about the book's portrayal of race, including accusations of a "white savior" narrative and shallow representation of Black characters. Notably, it has been removed from required reading lists or classrooms in various places like Biloxi, Mississippi (2017), Duluth, Minnesota (2018), and Burbank, California (2021), often after complaints from parents or accumulation of concerns. In some cases, parental permission is required for students to read the book. These removals have led to protests from free speech advocates and educators who argue the book's value lies in its challenging themes of racism, justice, and tolerance, and its importance in fostering discussions on those topics. Despite bans, it remains widely available and a perennial bestseller.
