When Words and Songs Get Silenced: A Look at Censorship in Schools

Jodi Picoult, a renowned author, faces another setback as her musical adaptation of "Between the Lines" is canceled.

The Cancellation

The musical, based on Picoult's novel, was set to be performed at Mississinewa High School in Indiana. However, the school's superintendent, Jeremy Fewell, canceled the production due to concerns over sexual innuendo and alcohol references.

Picoult expressed disappointment, particularly for the students who had dedicated themselves to the production. She emphasized that the musical's message is positive and crucial for teenagers, focusing on a girl named Delilah who discovers her voice and learns to write her own story.

Editing for Acceptance

The original novel includes a nonbinary character, but the musical was edited to remove references to gender orientation to appease a conservative audience.

A History of Challenges

This isn't the first time Picoult's work has faced opposition. Her book "Nineteen Minutes", which delves into the events leading up to a school shooting, was banned 16 times in the 2024-2025 school year. In one Florida school district, 20 of her books were banned based on a single parent's objection, even though the parent admitted to not reading any of them.

Broader Censorship Trends

The issue of censorship in schools extends beyond Picoult's work. Other plays and musicals have also faced challenges:

• "The Addams Family" was canceled in Pennsylvania due to concerns about violence, smoking, and queer themes.
• In Florida, the play "Indecent", which explores Jewish and queer history, was canceled for inappropriate sexual dialogue.

The Impact on Education

A survey by the Educational Theatre Association found that over 75% of theatre educators reported pressure to reconsider their play and musical choices during the 2023-24 school year. Picoult believes that this trend is not protecting kids but rather robbing them of valuable materials that help them navigate a complex world.