The Rise in Book Bans

By: Jyothisree Mandadapu

Over the past few years book bans in American schools have become more common and vicious. According to the American Library Association attempts at book bans have risen by 385 in the country. Although this is a movement being driven by a minority in certain states the impact is felt in classrooms all over the country. The removal of books is detrimental to education as a whole because political influence is being embedded into what children are allowed to learn.

The books being removed are primarily about people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Of the books banned in the first half of this year, 30% were about race or had people of color and 26% of the books had LGBTQ+ characters or themes according to Penn America. Having access to diverse books is important because “ books are not only mirrors, they -are also socializers. They give subtle messages about who and what we value in our society.” (Bishop 1990) The erasure of people of color and the LGBTQ+ community sends a message to children that they are not seen as important. In addition, the book bans that target books on minority groups end up affecting other types of books such as ones about mental health and wellness. There has also been a rise in wholesale bans that are being instituted in schools. This happens because school libraries have to be careful so they are shut down temporarily or permanently. Sonya Douglass a professor of education leadership says’ “[Book bans] diminish the quality of education students have access to and restrict their exposure to important perspectives”. The quality of education American children are receiving is deteriorating because there is a political agenda shaping what they are allowed to learn even if teachers, librarians, and the majority of parents oppose the bans.

While the majority of bans are coming from a few states: Florida, Texas, Missouri, and Utah the impact is felt in other states as local legislatures are beginning to pass more laws based on those states. State legislatures are taking a more active role in books and their influence is felt in how the books are being banned. Thanks to efforts in the last few years it has become extremely easy to ban books throughout the country as the process has been simplified, in some cases the individuals instituting the bans do not have to read the book. The interference of legislators is something that is not appreciated by most. For example, a poll of parents from every library institute showed that the majority think that banning books is a waste of time. Those pushing for the book bans are a minority who are using material from a far-right website found on BookLooks that lists books that are considered unsuitable.

The widespread book bans are disturbing the learning environment by limiting what children are allowed to learn against the advice of experts. In order to get involved contact your local representatives and let them know that you are not in favor of book bans to prevent further interference.

Sources:

https://www.tc.columbia.edu/articles/2023/september/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-book-bans-sweeping-the-us/

https://pen.org/report/banned-in-the-usa-state-laws-supercharge-book-suppression-in-schools/

https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/book-ban-data#:~:text=OIF%20documented%201%2C269%20demands%20to,book%20challenges%20reported%20in%202021.

https://www.everylibraryinstitute.org/parent_perception_public_libraries_2023

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2023/10/05/website-driving-banned-books-surge-moms-for-liberty/70922213007/