Published October 1, 2013
The University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Beta Zeta chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the
international English Honor Society, recently hosted a “Banned Books Read-Out” in
honor of National Banned Books Week.
Members read from controversial books that have been previously banned or are currently
under scrutiny. Some of the books read included: Voltaire’s “Candide,” Alice Walker’s
“The Color Purple,” and Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye.”
The event was held in the ULM Library’s Special Collections Passman Room, hosting
over 40 students.
Chapter President Alycia Hodges, an English graduate student from Tallulah reflected
on the event.
She said, “The purpose of our Banned Books Read-Out was to not only bring awareness
to the impact of censorship on our freedom of speech, but to make a stand for those
who are silenced because their opinions are considered unorthodox. We all have a story
to tell, stories that are not just for us, but for those in need of advocacy. If our
stories are censored, how can they reach people who need to hear them?”
Sigma Tau Delta is dedicated to fostering literacy and all aspects of the study of
English language and literature. Students who meet certain grade point average and
coursework requirements are eligible to join.
Members may also compete for a variety of scholarships, and participate in community
involvement activities and conferences.
For more information about Sigma Tau Delta, contact faculty sponsor Dr. Jana Giles,
assistant professor of English, at giles@ulm.edu or 318-342-1516.
