Public schools and libraries in the U.S. are facing an increase in book challenges, with efforts to censor certain materials accelerating due to recent state and local policies. Conservative organizations have been supporting nationwide banning efforts, resulting in a rise in book bans since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Preliminary findings from PEN America and the American Library Association (ALA) reveal contrasting data on recent and attempted book bans. PEN America found that book bans nearly tripled during the 2023-2024 academic year, with over 10,000 books banned in public schools. On the other hand, the ALA reported a decrease in challenges, with 414 attempts to censor library materials in the first eight months of 2024.
Both advocacy groups note that their findings are likely undercounts as many book challenges go unreported. Challenges to books continue to target marginalized communities, particularly people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women, with an increase in cases involving depictions of rape or sexual abuse.
The rise in book challenges is attributed to state laws making it easier to remove books from schools without due process. States like Florida and Iowa had a large number of books banned in 2023. Despite the decline in reported challenges, the ALA attributes this to community pushback and efforts to defend the freedom to read. The conversation around censorship is changing, with a growing recognition of the importance of protecting intellectual freedom.
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