In a critical bid to safeguard free expression and academic freedom within US public schools, Senator Brian Schatz and Representative Jamie Raskin have introduced companion resolutions in Congress, addressing the concerning rise of book bans and educational censorship. PEN America, an organisation at the forefront of defending open expression, has thrown its weight behind these resolutions, emphasising their significance in preserving the fundamental rights of students, parents, and educators.
“The escalating crisis of book bans across our country in recent years is a direct attack on First Amendment rights and should concern everyone who believes freedom of expression and the freedom to read are essential for a strong democracy.”
Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08)
The backdrop to this move is the disturbing trend of banning books and censoring classroom content, which has cast a shadow over the principles of free speech and academic liberty within the nation’s public education system. As the resolutions are unveiled, they underscore the urgent need to protect First Amendment rights within the educational sphere.
Read: Book czar appointed by US Education Department amid bans
PEN America’s endorsement of the resolutions underscores the gravity of the situation. In addition, the organisation has been an advocate for free expression and a vigilant monitor of book bans and censorship in schools. Their support for these resolutions amplifies the message that safeguarding the freedom to read and learn is paramount.
The timing of this congressional action is particularly poignant as it coincides with Banned Books Week, an annual event that runs from October 1st to 7th and is co-sponsored by PEN America. The week is dedicated to raising awareness about attempts to restrict access to books, making it an opportune moment to address the issue head-on.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, PEN America’s recent report, “Banned in the USA: The Mounting Pressure to Censor,” reveals a startling 33% surge in public school book bans during the 2022-23 academic year compared to the previous year. This alarming increase in book bans has particularly targeted Black and LGBTQ+ authors and literature dealing with race, racism, and LGBTQ+ identities since 2021.
Read: School book bans: alarming rise as Florida takes lead
The resolutions draw attention to this alarming trend, underlining the disproportionate impact on marginalised communities. It is essential to recognise that banning books not only stifles creativity and intellectual exploration but also exacerbates existing inequalities.
“The growing movement to ban books is eroding America’s proud history of celebrating – and defending – free expression as the hallmark of our democracy.”
Nadine Farid Johnson, PEN America Washington Managing Director
Nadine Farid Johnson, Managing Director of PEN America Washington and Free Expression Programs, expressed her concerns, stating, “The growing movement to ban books is eroding America’s proud history of celebrating – and defending – free expression as the hallmark of our democracy. Restrictions on the freedom to read and learn are turning our nation’s public schools into political battlegrounds, creating environments that make it impossible for our students to flourish and our educators to do their jobs.”
Johnson also commended Representative Raskin, Senator Schatz, and their co-sponsors for their leadership in addressing the pressing issue of educational censorship. As a result, she reiterated that these resolutions serve as a critical countermeasure against the rising tide of book bans and reaffirm the importance of upholding Americans’ First Amendment rights.
Not only has PEN America been documenting this wave of book bans, but also they have been actively challenging it. The organisation has taken legal action against Escambia County, Florida, over its book bans, illustrating its commitment to the principles of free expression.
Read: Florida school board: toss Penguin Random House book ban lawsuit
In the face of these challenges, PEN America stands firm at the intersection of literature and human rights. Their mission is clear – to protect open expression in the United States and around the world. By uniting writers and their allies, they aim to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.
Hence, in a climate where book bans and censorship threaten to stifle intellectual growth and diversity of thought, the introduction of these congressional resolutions offers a glimmer of hope. As we observe Banned Books Week, it is a reminder that the fight to protect free expression in our classrooms and libraries is far from over.
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