In a recent Senate hearing, the contentious issue of book bans and censorship in America took centre stage, illuminating a stark partisan divide. Democrats voiced strong concerns about censorship, while Republicans, bolstered by right-wing activists, advocated for the removal of many works from schools and libraries, asserting it as a matter of parental rights. The discussion, under the banner of “Book Bans: Examining How Censorship Limits Liberty and Literature,” quickly took an unexpected turn as Republican senators and a witness chose to read explicit passages from certain books into the congressional record to bolster their argument for banning these titles from US schools.
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The books targeted for bans often tackle sensitive subjects such as racism, sexuality, and gender identity. Conservatives argue that some of these books, particularly those exploring queer identity and LGBTQ+ themes, contain sexually explicit content deemed inappropriate for students. Shockingly, school librarians who oppose these bans have faced threats and harassment.
Even classics that have long been part of school curriculums, like “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “To Kill a Mockingbird,” faced challenges due to complaints about racist stereotypes and discussions of sensitive topics, including rape.
Between July and December 2022, the non-profit PEN America documented nearly 1,500 instances of individual book bans, a broad term encompassing cases where books are considered “off-limits” for students or removed during investigations to assess potential restrictions. While the American Library Association reported a doubling of book challenges in the United States from 2021 to 2022, reflecting the escalating tension surrounding this issue.
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Partisan divide: Democrats vs. Republicans
Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois’s secretary of state and state librarian, testified, lamenting the emergence of a book-banning movement that he argued falsely masqueraded as a champion of freedom while promoting authoritarianism. He starkly stated, “Authoritarian regimes ban books, not democracies.”
Democratic lawmakers and education experts expressed deep concern over this escalating trend of banned books. Judiciary Committee Chair and Democratic Senator of Illinois, Dick Durbin, asserted, “Efforts to ban books are wrong, whether they come from the right or the left,” emphasising that such actions deny students the opportunity to learn about diverse perspectives and challenging subjects. He also referred to “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” being banned, despite being a “timeless classic.”
“No parent should have the right to tell another parent’s child what they can and cannot read in school or at home. Every student deserves access to books that reflect their experiences and help them better understand who they are.”
Senator Dick Durbin (D)
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In contrast, Republicans largely supported the efforts of conservative activists seeking greater control over school curriculums and policies, citing “parents’ rights” as their rallying cry. However, they also said that federal lawmakers have no place in such discussions. “In Burbank, California, some school district banned ‘Huckleberry Finn,’ ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ I don’t agree with that, but that was your right to make that decision,” ranking Republican member Lindsey Graham said.
“In Burbank, California, some school district banned ‘Huckleberry Finn,’ ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ I don’t agree with that, but that was your right to make that decision.”
Senator Lindsey GRaham (R)
Parental rights vs. intellectual freedom
Nicole Neily, President of the conservative non-profit Parents Defending Education, emphasised parental awareness as a key concern. Her organisation opposes ideologically driven curricula and strives to prevent an overemphasis on students’ group identities.
Read: Who are Moms for Liberty? Unveiling extremist ties behind book bans
Max Eden, a research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute with conservative leanings, led the charge by pointing to instances where concerned parents were denied the opportunity to read contentious passages aloud during school board meetings. Eden cited examples from books such as “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” a work that has found itself on the infamous list of the most banned books compiled by Pen America, a staunch advocate for free speech.
Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana, not to be outdone, also read explicit passages from “All Boys Aren’t Blue” during the hearing. Additionally, he referenced another controversial book titled “Gender Queer” and its graphic content. Kennedy’s intention was clear: to challenge the notion that only librarians should have the authority to decide which books should be available to children.
Challenge to democracy
“I grew up as my father used to call us four raisins in a tub of sweet vanilla ice cream, and for me finding certain books on my library shelf that not only gave me an affirmation but a celebration that expanded my understanding of history. They were anchors to me, lifelines in some ways and at a time that I was forming my self-concept and my sense of self-worth. These were the books that became the foundation of who I am.”
SENATOR CORY BOOKER (D)
However, Democratic lawmakers maintained that banning books stifles children’s critical thinking abilities. Emily Knox, an associate professor at the University of Illinois, argued that books can shape readers’ attitudes toward differences and highlighted the unconstitutionality of campaigns to censor books.
A troubling undercurrent in the discussion was the disproportionate impact of book bans on literature featuring Black or LGBTQ characters. This concern was highlighted by Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, who expressed apprehension that such actions hinder the creation of public forums and educational pathways that promote empathy, understanding, and deep knowledge—essential elements for the survival of democracy. The battle over book bans rages on, raising critical questions about freedom of expression, the role of government, and the values we impart to our next generation.
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