School book bans: alarming rise as Florida takes lead

In a startling revelation, a recent report by PEN America has illuminated the escalating trend of book bans in American public schools. The study, titled “Banned in the USA: The Growing Pressure to Censor,” highlights a 33% increase in book bans during the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous year. This concerning trend is creating a division between students and literature, as well as challenging the fundamentals of free expression.

Florida overtakes Texas as the leading state for book bans

Arguably the most significant discovery of the report is that Florida has outpaced Texas as the state with the highest number of banned books in public schools. In the 2022-23 school year alone, Florida accounted for over 40% of all book bans in the country. These bans have arisen due to a combination of state legislation and concerted efforts from local advocacy groups and individuals.

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One law that originated in Florida, known as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law, has had a ripple effect in other states like Iowa. Ambiguous wording and a lack of state guidance in these laws have left school districts with the authority to prohibit books. Additionally, the report underscores the influence of websites such as ‘Book Looks,’ established by a member of the ‘Moms for Liberty’ group in Florida, which have played a pivotal role in facilitating book censorship campaigns in various states.

An escalating menace to education

The surge in book bans is not an isolated phenomenon. It is part of a broader trend that encompasses efforts to restrict the teaching of topics related to race, gender, American history, and LGBTQ+ identities. The rise of “educational intimidation” mandates, which entail intrusive monitoring of teachers and librarians, exacerbates the threat to free expression in public education.

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Suzanne Nossel, Chief Executive Officer of PEN America, expressed her concerns, stating that “those who are determined to suppress stories and ideas are turning our schools into battlegrounds, exacerbating post-pandemic learning setbacks, driving teachers out of the classroom, and depriving our children of the joy of reading.”

Statistics and data

The report presents a wealth of statistics and data to underscore the gravity of the issue:

• PEN America has documented nearly 6,000 instances of banned books since July 2021.
• During the 2022-23 school year, 3,362 books were banned, affecting 1,480 authors, illustrators, and translators.
• Over 75% of the banned books are geared towards young audiences, including young adult, middle-grade, chapter, and picture books.
• Book bans related to violence or physical abuse constitute 48% of cases, while 30% involve themes of race and racism, and 30% represent LGBTQ+ identities.
• There has been a staggering 400% increase in books banned from classrooms and school libraries compared to the previous year.

Student resistance and hope for change

Despite the disconcerting statistics, the report highlights a glimmer of hope in the form of student resistance. Across the country, students have also been actively opposing book bans through protests, voicing their concerns at school board meetings, and establishing national organisations dedicated to safeguarding access to literature in schools.

John Green, author of the third most banned book, “Looking for Alaska,” emphasised the importance of placing trust in teachers and librarians to carry out their duties. He remarked, “If your worldview can be undone by a book, I would contend that the issue lies not with the book.”

Defending the freedom to read

The report concludes by urging readers to join PEN America in defending the freedom to read. Reiterating their mission to uphold the freedom to write and celebrate creative expression, PEN America calls on individuals to take action and ensure their voices are heard under the hashtag #FreeTheBooks.

Consequently, the alarming surge in book bans, particularly in Florida, poses a substantial threat to education and free expression in American public schools. The statistics and findings in this report underscore the pressing need for concerted efforts to safeguard the right to read and learn without constraints.