Maanyaa Mishra
Class of 2028Foster City, California
About
Hello! My name is Maanyaa Mishra, and my Polygence project explores censorship in public schools. I was first confronted with the impact of censorship in my 8th-grade social studies class when my teacher refused to use the standard textbook and curriculum, calling it “inaccurate” and “a piece of Eurocentric junk.” Tha, t moment made me question: Who decides what we learn? Why are some topics altered, omitted, or left out altogether? Whose stories are being told, and whose are being erased? What perspectives are being prioritized, and what agendas shape our understanding of history, literature, and society? Through my project, I aim to raise awareness about the effects of censorship in education and encourage people to think critically about the information they receive. Education should empower students to form their own perspectives, not just accept what they’ve been told to believe. Our youth is the future, and I believe in the importance of fostering independent thought by allowing students to explore diverse viewpoints.Projects
- "Reading Between the Lines: Book Banning and Censorship in U.S. Public Schools" with mentor Michael (July 30, 2025)
Project Portfolio
Reading Between the Lines: Book Banning and Censorship in U.S. Public Schools
Started Aug. 27, 2024
Abstract or project description
This research paper examines the forces behind book censorship in U.S. public schools, particularly in conservative areas, and how these bans shape students' educational experience. By analyzing five specific cases, the project explores why certain topics, like race, gender, and identity, are frequently targeted and what it means for students’ access to complex ideas. School boards and parent groups often drive these bans, motivated by concerns about “appropriate” content, which can vary widely based on regional and cultural values. Through this research, the paper highlights how such censorship doesn’t just affect what students read; it also limits their opportunities to think critically and engage with diverse perspectives, skills crucial for navigating real-world issues. This study offers a window into the deeper social tensions that impact education, asking what role schools should play in exposing students to the broader complexities of society.