Censorship is one of the most controversial concepts present in modern-day America. Some see it as a dangerous attack on the 1st Amendment right to freedom of expression. Others note that in some cases, censorship is justifiable, or even necessary. Due to a conflict regarding a Stephen King novel, Rocklin High School now finds itself dealing with that same argument. 

Last spring, a parent complained about the presence of King’s book Different Seasons in the Rocklin High School (RHS) library because of certain portions they considered to be graphic and obscene. A committee, consisting of Rocklin staff, a RHS parent, and a student representative, reviewed the matter, and voted to ban the book.

RHS senior Amanda Wong, the student representative, was in the minority in favor of allowing Different Seasons to stay in the library. In the interest of full disclosure, it should be noted that Wong is the editor-in-chief of the Rocklin High School Flash.  

“Although I respect their decision, I felt that it was wrong for the committee to only review part of the book and not the whole thing. Also, I think that this opens the door to much scarier censorship - I don’t think something like 50 Shades of Grey should be in the library, but Stephen King does not fall under that category”, she said.

After the committee came to its decision, Wong went to the school district to voice her concerns. She spoke at the October 3rd RUSD board meeting before the board and district superintendents against the book's censorship. Her public comment was taken as a movement to appeal the committee’s decision. 

"I love my school very much, and that's why I felt I had to speak out." said Wong.

On October 9th, news came out that the committee's decision has been rescinded by the district, who has decided to address the complaint district-wide. Nearby Whitney High School continues to offer Different Seasons in its library, and the work is part of the curriculum at Victory High School. This requires that any decision made regarding the book’s acceptability be made as a district.

As of now, Different Seasons has been returned to the Rocklin High School Library for the time being. Meanwhile, the Rocklin Unified School District is in the process of creating another committee to review the book while following correct protocol.