Local author cries censorship at Penn

Author Barry Hoffman thought that the gothic tone of Penn would provide the perfect setting for a murder mystery -- and acted on his hunch. Hoffman's latest work of fiction, Born Bad, depicts a series of apparent suicides on Penn's campus. But Hoffman is now up in arms because the Penn Bookstore doesn't carry his book, despite its national publication. Hoffman appeared outside Penn's bookstore yesterday morning -- armed with peanuts and free copies of his novel -- to protest what he calls Penn's "censorship" of the book. Hoffman claims the bookstore promised him a slot to speak about his novel about a year ago, and then rescinded the offer. Director of External Relations of Business Services Amy Hoffman denied that Hoffman was ever promised a chance to speak at the bookstore or at the Kelly Writers House. "The University is absolutely committed to protecting freedom of speech," Amy Hoffman said. "Any presentation is welcome." Amy Hoffman added that because the author was without a publicity manager, it might be harder for him to schedule appearances at large bookstores like Penn's. And Vice President for Business Services Leroy Nunery said that Barry Hoffman's allegations of censorship were completely unfounded. "Look at what's on the shelves. That's your answer," he said of the allegations, pointing to the variety of controversial novels on sale at the bookstore. "There's nothing to gain by rejecting it." Yet the author persisted in his efforts, setting up a table in front of the bookstore at lunchtime yesterday to publicize his novel and peak interest in the topic. But despite his work, few passers-by stopped to take a peek at his paperback or to speak with him about his novel. In the end, the novelist didn't manage to engage more than 10 people with his story of censorship. Hoffman alleged that the Penn Bookstore won't carry his novel due to the "sensitive nature of the book," which involves the questionable suicides of three freshman girls living in the Quadrangle. After spending the early afternoon in front of the bookstore, Hoffman delivered a letter to University President Judith Rodin claiming that Penn denied him the chance to speak about the book. The letter was given to her receptionist because Rodin was unavailable. "All I want is for students to be aware of the book," Hoffman said. "I just want to be invited anywhere on campus to discuss issues regarding my novel." Hoffman explained that Penn "is trying to protect its image" as a "safe environment," and is consequently attempting to sweep the controversial issues of date rape -- also mentioned in the book -- and suicide under the rug. The author also claimed that the book helps to illustrate the counseling network offered to Penn students contemplating suicide or other drastic measures. William Skorupski, a first year Graduate School of Education student who lost a close friend to suicide, spoke about the need to publicize counseling services. "Most students might not be aware of the many support systems available," Skorupski said. As a former public school teacher in inner-city Philadelphia, Hoffman said he first became interested in Penn while attending night courses on campus. The author emphasized that the killings in the book were not a product of a malfunctioning support system, but rather the result of the "bad seed" present in the book's villain. Brendon Skwire, a Penn researcher, said the alleged censorship of Hoffman is "typical of Penn." "Over the last two years that I have worked here I have seen lots of banning," he said. "If anything, it will make people want to buy the book."

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