Harry Potter Books Banned
in Rockford Catholic School
Holy Family Catholic School in Rockford, Illinois, has removed J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books from the school library because the principal feels they present witchcraft and astrology “in a positive light.”
“That’s basically contrary to the teachings of the Catholic church,” Principal Tony Smerko said. “Because we’re a Catholic school, we choose not to make [Rowling’s books] available.” Smerko announced the decision after hearing from a pastor who had read two of the books. Smerko has not read any of the books himself, the Rockford Register Star reported August 20.
The Catholic Conference of Illinois leaves such decisions to local authorities. Only a few Catholic churches in the state have restricted the Rowling books, the organization said. The nondenominational Rockford Christian School had previously banned the Harry Potter series, but did so on the basis of parental objections.
The series, which topped ALA’s 1999 list of most-banned books, has encountered difficulties in some public schools as well, including those in Zeeland, Michigan.
Posted August 28, 2000.
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