NJ School District Responds to Mental Health Crisis by Removing Novel

The South Orange & Maplewood school district in New Jersey has taken the significant step of removing Junot Díaz’s novel The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao from its Advanced Placement English class due to an escalating mental health crisis among students. This decision follows troubling reports that at least five students at Columbia High School (CHS) have attempted suicide this year, prompting a response from school officials to reassess the curriculum.

In December 2023, the community faced profound grief with the loss of one CHS student in an accident and another known to many in the district who died by suicide. Superintendent Jason Bing stated that this crisis necessitated immediate action, stating, “It’s a curriculum choice that’s meeting the needs of these specific kids at this specific time.” The novel was previously a staple in the curriculum since its introduction in 2011.

In a controversial move, the district initially decided to ban the book outright. However, following pushback from students and parents, it later allowed parents to sign a permission form for their children to read the book in class. This response has drawn criticism from organizations like PEN America, which argues that such restrictions constitute a “book ban.”

Community Response and Broader Trends

The decision to remove the novel sparked debate within the community, which has historically embraced diversity and free expression. The district’s student demographic is notably varied, with a 2023-24 racial makeup comprising 50.3% white, 30.4% Black, 8.5% Hispanic, 6.9% two or more races, and 3.7% Asian. The local school board even passed a “Right to Read” resolution in June 2023, affirming the community’s commitment to literary access.

Critics, including student journalist Ella Levy, have voiced concerns that the removal of literature discussing complex themes like suicide and mental health deprives students of important learning opportunities. In a recent report, PEN America highlighted a troubling trend where nearly 60% of banned books fall into the category of young adult literature that addresses grief, death, and mental health issues.

Kasey Meehan, the program director for PEN America’s Freedom to Read initiative, noted that the impulse to protect students can often lead to harmful outcomes. “What we hear is the impulse to protect is actually quite harmful when it removes the opportunity for students to learn,” Meehan remarked.

Implications for Education and Mental Health

Teachers at CHS express concern that removing Oscar Wao, which provides rich commentary on cultural identity and mental health struggles, limits students’ ability to engage with vital topics. Lori Martling, a longtime teacher at CHS, emphasized the importance of the novel, stating, “It gives voice to the Hispanic diaspora and addresses cultural conflicts and mental health struggles.”

As part of its revised approach, the district plans to introduce opt-in mental health screenings for CHS students, aiming to bolster current mental health offerings. Bing acknowledged that the themes in Díaz’s novel, particularly a scene involving a suicide attempt, led the district to reevaluate its curriculum amid heightened sensitivities.

While the district maintains that The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao remains available in the school library, the restrictions within the classroom setting have raised questions about educational freedom. Students have suggested that discussions around the book could be supported by mental health professionals, a proposal the district has not pursued.

The ongoing discourse reflects a broader national conversation about how to balance student safety with the necessity of engaging literature. As the situation unfolds, the South Orange & Maplewood school district continues to navigate the complexities of educational content amidst a backdrop of community trauma and mental health challenges.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can dial or text 988 to be connected to help.