cited an analysis from The Washington PostAdvocates for book restrictions say it is a matter of parents' rights, and that parents should be able to have a say in what their children have access to at school. "What that underscores for me is with how the structure works ... All it takes is one person, one quickly written complaint, to render that book inaccessible for everyone in that community," Gorman said.
Gorman also highlighted research that shows many complaints target books that feature LGBTQ+ characters or characters of color, or discuss LGBTQ+ or race-related topics. "I have to think about what messaging that sends to young readers. It's as if you're saying, 'you are inappropriate if you're African American. You are inappropriate if you are gay. You are inappropriate if you are an immigrant,'" Gorman said.
Gorman told CBS News she is working with PEN America, which advocates for free expression and defends writers around the world, to have the book restored to shelves. She and the organization have launched a campaign asking people to send letters to the school district calling for"The Hill We Climb" to be made available to all students.