The book "To Kill a Mockingbird" has been banned or challenged primarily due to its depiction of violence, use of offensive language including racial slurs such as the N-word, and its themes of racism. Specific concerns include the fear that the racial slurs might negatively affect students, especially Black students, and the discomfort caused by the frank discussion of rape and racial injustice. Additionally, the book has faced criticism for its portrayal of Black characters and the "white savior" narrative, which some perceive as problematic. These issues have led to the removal of the book from required reading lists in various schools, sometimes requiring parental permission for students to read it, and sparking debates about censorship versus educational value.