The current wave of book bans in the United States reflects a troubling trend in censorship, particularly targeting works that represent diverse voices and critical perspectives on race, gender and sexuality.
Since the 2021 school year, the number of challenged books has surged and leading writing organizations like PEN America are documenting thousands of instances of censorship across public schools. This movement limits students' access to a wide range of ideas and also stifles intellectual freedom and critical thinking.
One prominent figure in the fight against this wave of censorship is Amanda Jones, a dedicated librarian at the Livingston Parish Public Library in Louisiana. Her passionate activism and public speaking at library board meetings highlight the importance of defending access to information. Jones has garnered significant recognition for her efforts, receiving awards that underscore her commitment to intellectual freedom.
Her legal battles against conservative groups illustrate the significant challenges faced by those defending diverse narratives in a politically charged atmosphere. Despite facing backlash — such as public criticism and organized campaigns against her, Jones continues to advocate for the rights of library patrons and the broader principles of democracy that support free expression and the exchange of ideas.
As the landscape of public education becomes increasingly contentious, the role of activists like Jones is crucial in ensuring that libraries remain a refuge for all voices and stories, fostering an environment where students can explore the complexities of the world around them.
The awards Amanda Jones has received, such as the American Association of School Librarians’ Intellectual Freedom Award and the American Library Association’s Paul Howard Award for Courage, underscore her dedication and bravery in advocating for these values.
Book banning in public schools has a long history in the United States, with notable spikes during periods of heightened political tension, such as the McCarthy era of the 1950s and the early 1980s. However, since the 2021 school year, the scale and intensity of censorship efforts have increased significantly.
This recent surge is characterized by a coordinated push against books that address themes of race, gender, and sexuality, often targeting works by authors of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The rise of organized campaigns, along with pressure from state legislation, has created a climate where access to diverse narratives is increasingly restricted.
As these efforts continue, the implications for students' freedom to explore ideas and engage with different perspectives become more pronounced, raising concerns about the future of academic liberty and analytical thinking in America.
Here’s what you can do to fight censorship, keep books available in libraries and promote the freedom to read:
Stay informed: If you hear of a challenge at your local library, support your librarian and free and open access to library materials by contacting the Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) users’ rights.
Educate yourself and others: Read up on issues related to censorship, intellectual freedom, and the challenges faced by libraries. Share this information with friends, family, and community members to raise awareness.
Support Banned Books Week: Participate in events and activities during Banned Books Week to highlight the importance of free expression and the risks of censorship.
Promote diverse voices: Advocate for the inclusion of diverse authors and perspectives in library collections. This helps ensure that all community members feel represented and have access to a wide range of ideas.
Volunteer: Offer your time to help with programs at your local library, whether that’s organizing events, helping with outreach or assisting in advocacy efforts.
Contact elected officials: Voice your concerns about censorship and support for libraries to your local, state and federal representatives. Encourage them to uphold and protect intellectual freedom.
Use social media: Leverage your social media platforms to raise awareness about censorship issues and library challenges, sharing resources and calling attention to important discussions in your community.
Join library or freedom of expression organizations: Consider becoming a member of organizations that advocate for library rights and intellectual freedom, such as the American Library Association (ALA) or the Freedom to Read Foundation.
Attend workshops and webinars: Participate in educational workshops or webinars focused on library advocacy, censorship awareness, and the importance of intellectual freedom.
Support librarians and library staff: Acknowledge the hard work librarians and library staff do to protect and promote access to information. Show your support and appreciation for their efforts against censorship.
Editor’s note:Women’s Watch is a cooperative writing effort of the local chapters of the American Association of University Women, the League of Women Voters and the National Organization for Women. This piece was authored by Diane Smith.
