In a dark echoing of the past, the United States is witnessing a surreal surge in attempts to remove books from public and school libraries, a phenomenon known as “book bans.” This
movement closely mirrors events surrounding the Holocaust and raises serious concerns about
the infringement of intellectual freedom.
To esteemed educators, and passionate advocates for knowledge: we stand at a crossroads. Americans face a rising tide that threatens to erode the very foundation of our intellectual liberty- book bans. This movement seeks to silence voices, restrict knowledge, and ultimately, control our collective narrative. It is our duty to confront this challenge head-on by pushing back on book bans, for the sake of our country’s democracy.
The numbers are stark and undeniable. The American Library Association reports
that attempts to ban books have skyrocketed in recent years, reaching an unprecedented high in
2022 and continuing to climb at a staggering rate. Since April 2023, there have been 18,159
documented attempts to ban books, with 4,009 successfully removed from school and public
libraries. This surge is not a random phenomenon. Data reveals a disturbing pattern – a deliberate
and disproportionate targeting of books that center on the experiences of marginalized
communities, particularly those representing people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. This is
not about protecting children; this is about silencing perspectives that challenge the status quo.
So, why are book bans dangerous?
Book bans strike at the heart of our democracy by violating the very principles enshrined in our Constitution. The Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees equal protection under the law, a principle directly undermined when certain narratives are deemed unfit for public consumption based solely on the identity of the characters or authors. This act of exclusion sends a chilling message that the experiences and perspectives of these communities are not valued, not worthy of our attention, and ultimately, not worthy of existence.
Furthermore, book bans directly contradict the First Amendment, which guarantees
freedom of speech and expression. The Supreme Court, in landmark cases such as Island Trees
School District v. Pico, has consistently affirmed the right of individuals to access information
and ideas, even those that may be considered controversial. Attempts to restrict access to books
based on personal or political agendas run afoul of these fundamental rights, setting a dangerous
precedent that threatens the very fabric of our free society.
The role of libraries, school libraries in particular, serve as vital rights of intellectual
exploration and critical thinking. They are spaces where young minds encounter diverse
perspectives, grapple with complex issues, and develop the tools necessary to navigate an
increasingly interconnected world. By denying access to certain books, we not only limit their
educational opportunities but also send a harmful message that certain voices and stories are not worth hearing. This stifles intellectual curiosity, hinders critical thinking, and ultimately
undermines the development of informed and engaged citizens.
Then, there are vague policies and arbitrary bans. The current landscape of
book removal policies, particularly in school libraries, is filled with inconsistencies and a lack of
clear guidelines. Vague language and poorly defined criteria open the door for arbitrary
decisions, often driven by personal biases and political agendas rather than sound educational
principles. The absurdity of this situation is evident in instances where dictionaries have been
removed for containing the definition of “sexual intercourse,” and books about puberty, potty training and anatomy have been deemed inappropriate. These examples underscore the urgent need for standardized and transparent book removal processes that prioritize intellectual freedom and are
grounded in clear, objective criteria.
Americans must embrace the principles of intellectual freedom, inclusivity, and the
pursuit of knowledge. From personal experience and training working for Weber County
libraries, public libraries offer a model for book removal processes that prioritize these values.
They employ collaborative and transparent procedures that involve multiple stakeholders,
ensuring that decisions are made thoughtfully and with careful consideration of the diverse needs
and interests of the community. School libraries should adopt similar practices, ensuring that the
removal of any book is a measured and justified decision, not a knee-jerk reaction to pressure
from special interest groups.
The Freedom to Read Statement, made in response and opposition to the tragedy of the
Holocaust, serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect intellectual
freedom. The mission of this statement emphasizes the crucial role of librarians and educators in
providing access to a wide range of viewpoints and challenging any attempts to restrict that
freedom. We must remain vigilant in upholding these principles and resisting efforts to limit
access to information based on personal preferences or political agendas.
We are not simply fighting over books on shelves; we are fighting for the very
cornerstone of our democracy. The right to read, to think critically, and to engage with diverse
perspectives is fundamental to a free and open society. We must stand united against censorship
and ensure that libraries remain sanctuaries of knowledge, where all voices are welcome and all
stories have the potential to be heard.

Audrey Russelman
COMM-1270-001- Fall 2024

References

Freedom to Read Statement, ALA
https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomreadstatement

Book Ban Data, ALA
https://www.ala.org/bbooks/book-ban-
data

Equal Protection Clause
Banned Books – Research Guides at Harvard Library
https://guides.library.harvard.edu/c.php?g=1269000&p=9306840

Island trees sch. Dist. V. Pico by Pico, 457 U.S. 853 (1982)
https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/457/853/

PEN America
https://pen.org/press-release/nearly-200-percent-surge-in-school-book-bans-during-2023-
2024-school-year/