Censorship in the Classroom: The Growing Debate Over Book Bans

Editorial by Liza Blinn '27 Five months ago, The American Library Association released preliminary data, which revealed documented attempts to censor books and publications within schools and

libraries all over the country. Between January to August 2024, the ALA reported 414 attempts to censor library materials, and 1,128 attempts to censor book titles. Some names,

include Looking for Alaska by John Green, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, and Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. Although censorship has decreased significantly since 2020, soft censorship, the act of purchasing books but not distributing or displaying them, is still widely practiced. In the Office for Intellectual Freedom, data compiled has proven that because many censorships aren't reported to ALA, we only have a snapshot into how many books and publications are banned globally. 

Conclusive data, provided by the Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), recorded that 2023 had the highest level of censorship ever documented by the ALA. We now know, “The number of titles targeted for censorship at public libraries increased by 92% over the previous year, accounting for about 46% of all book challenges in 2023.” The states that are the most at risk of censored titles include Texas, Florida, Missouri, and Utah.

In Florida specifically, three different laws have been passed limiting classroom instruction on “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” between the Kindergarten and Third Grade. Teachers in these districts are mandated to catalog each book even mentioning something of the sort. They're also required to “warn students” of the risks.

Books involving BIPOC subjects are especially vulnerable to these laws. As guidance has faltered, educators have begun to give up entirely, emptying their shelves of books students are known to adore.

In Missouri and Utah, an increasing number of banned books mentioning “sensitive instructional material” are leaving school shelves. These books, however, merely mention LGBTQIA+ characters and euphemistic portrayals of death and grief. Many instructional art books are slowly getting banned due to their “explicit nature” as well.

The statistics from ALA show that many of the book bans were led by organizations who demanded censorship of several different titles all at once. “Moms for Liberty” is one clear mention. Connected to 58% of all book bans nationwide, “Moms for Liberty” is an American political organization. Their slogan reads, “We do not co parent with the government.” Led by Tiffany Justice and Tina Descovich, they've set up chapters of mothers across the nation whose job is to advocate against school curricula mentioning LGBTQIA+ and minority rights; critical race theory, and discrimination. Books with those mentions made up a staggering 47% of all censored books. These, along with many other trends were noted as the ALA connected the dots. 

The ALA collects its data via library professionals and published stories shared throughout the US. Because many attempts of censorship go unreported, the ALA's information proves to only be a small part of the vast majority. The challenging of certain titles may lead to the book being retained, or withdrawn entirely, also leading to the relocating and filing of a prejudicial script, only maintaining its accessibility to those who ask for the certain title. The censorship of books, or as many right wingers put it, “ is an expression of opinion.” The attempt to censor stems from the goal of replacing and removing some material entirely. And if moved forward as a “formal challenge,” the reconsideration, as well as the putting off of purchasing of specific titles, in order to “align” with the school's values, may also be implemented. 

Books banned, more often than not, represent a large range of titles mostly varying in the Y/A range. They’re understood as texts to help young readers “gain knowledge of the contemporary world.” They help young adults figure out their sense of identity and social responsibility, as well their place in society. By recognizing its target audience, people who seek to censor books take advantage of young adults. This vulnerability also includes picture book sections for children as they can be easily influenced. Since July to December 2022, over 35 picture books had been banned, 74% of which featured an LGBTQIA+ character, and 46% of which discussed race and racism. This censorship towards specific categories of literature creates a detrimental impact on those who make these books. It was predicted that by the end of 2023, over 1,500 authors, publishers, and illustrators were affected by the ongoing book bans. The act of hindering a minor's ability to get ready and equitable access to a library, along with limiting resources, programs and services for one's intellectual freedom, violates the Library Bill of Rights. Today, we cannot sit back. Of course, many books won't be universally accepted, nor appeal to each parent's wishes; however, future generations deserve to read interesting, timely, and engaging material. We, as America's youth, need to learn to challenge these bans so future generations can have equitable access to the same stories we once loved as kids.

All Photos Courtesy of PBS and NPR

Sources: ala.org, momsforliberty.org and pen.org

Edited by: Catherine Polatidis '26 and Ms. Brilliant

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