To teach or not to teach? That is the question.

Should teachers allow freshman students to read Huckleberry Finn? This was the question we were asked to respond to in class. I don't think Dr. Abernathy realized the can of worms she was opening when she said this.
I personally think it is ridiculous to deny students the opportunity to read this amazing piece of literature. I read the book in 6th grade on my own and again in 9th grade in my Honors English class. We had no problems understanding Twain's true intent within the story. Our teacher walked us through the book and we had class discussions on the story every day to get everyone's opinion. Let me make one thing clear though: it was not spoon fed to us by any means.
Kids will be kids. In some cases, no amount of guidance will keep them from being immature about certain subject matters. You can inform the students about the racial stereotypes present when the book was written and tell them that the book is not a racist piece of junk and some will still see it as such. Students see a word they know they shouldn't use and therefore, they use it. Does this mean that the classic should not be taught? Of course not!!!
The stupidity of the few should not keep the majority from reading and enjoying a true work of literary genius.