Chapter 12 Summary

As Luke and Barney watch many parents, and few students, enter the auditorium for the review hearing, Moore approaches, commending Barney on his balanced presentation of issues in the paper. Kate passes the boys, and simply nods. Forster introduces the proceedings, and for the next hours, many critics of Huckleberry Finn speak, some of whom wish to ban the book entirely, some who feel the book should be restricted, and some who want their children not to read the title. Luke comments they should just take Huck out and shoot him, and Carl McLean stresses the importance of this flippant comment made by a white student. Carl sees Luke's statement as proving that white students are insensitive to black issues.

Kent Dickenson speaks on behalf of Huck, noting the students' rights to read and discuss controversial subjects, the instructors' rights to disseminate information...