Stephen King's 'Different Seasons' Banned in Utah Schools
The Utah State Board of Education has prohibited its 40th book, 'Different Seasons' by Stephen King, from being available in public schools. This anthology features stories that served as the basis for the films 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'Stand By Me.' The book has been taken out of libraries in the Davis, Jordan, Tooele, and Washington School Districts. A 2022 law in Utah stipulates that if three or more districts remove a book, it results in a statewide ban. This year, the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah initiated a lawsuit against this law on behalf of various authors and Kurt Vonnegut's estate, arguing that it infringes upon First Amendment rights.
Key facts
- Utah State Board of Education banned 'Different Seasons' by Stephen King.
- It is the 40th book banned in Utah public schools.
- The collection inspired films 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'Stand By Me.'
- Libraries in Davis, Jordan, Tooele, and Washington School Districts removed the book.
- A 2022 Utah law allows statewide removal if at least three districts ban a book.
- The ACLU of Utah filed a lawsuit against the law on behalf of authors and Kurt Vonnegut's estate.
- The lawsuit claims the book ban statute violates First Amendment protections.
- The ban affects schools statewide.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Utah State Board of Education
- American Civil Liberties Union of Utah
- Davis School District
- Jordan School District
- Tooele School District
- Washington School District
Locations
- Utah