Title: The Impact of Removing "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" from Columbia High School's Curriculum
In recent times, mental health crises have become an alarming issue in schools across the United States. This has led to various measures being taken by school districts to address these concerns and ensure student well-being. One such measure was recently implemented at Columbia High School (CHS) in Maplewood, New Jersey when they removed Junot Díaz's novel "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" from the curriculum of a high-level English class due to a mental health crisis affecting students.
This decision was made after at least five young people enrolled at CHS attempted suicide this year, with two deaths reported in December - one being an accident and another by suicide. In response to these tragic events, the School District of South Orange & Maplewood decided to remove Díaz's novel from a high-level English class taught by longtime teacher Lori Martling. Parents were given the option to sign a permission form allowing their children to study the book in class; however, PEN America classified this as a "book ban."
The district also announced plans for an opt-in mental health screening for all CHS students and aims to improve its current mental health offerings. Schools Superintendent Jason Bing stated that administrators requested the removal of Díaz's novel from the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition class, but he did not disclose who initiated this request.
While removing a beloved novel like "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" may seem drastic, it highlights the severity of mental health issues among students today. It is crucial for schools to take proactive measures in addressing these concerns and providing support systems for their students. The decision made by Columbia High School serves as a reminder that educators must prioritize student well-being above all else.
In conclusion, while removing "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" from the curriculum may have been an unconventional approach to dealing with mental health crises in schools, it underscores the importance of addressing these issues head-on. Schools must continue to explore innovative ways to support their students' emotional well-being and ensure that they are equipped to handle life's challenges both inside and outside the classroom.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2026/02/20/nx-s1-5708741/junot-diaz-oscar-wao-mental-health-book-bans) #facing
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