A quiet, dimly lit library with numerous empty shelves and a sparse scattering of books, emphasizing the significant absence caused by book bans on LGBTQIA+ and racial themes. The atmosphere conveys a deep sense of loss and the silent impact of censorship in educational settings. — Silent Shelves The Echo of Censorship This poignant image captures the emptiness of a library where books on LGBTQIA+ themes and racial issues have been banned symbolizing the chilling effect of censorship on freedom of information and education

“Freedom to Learn” Campaign Rallies Against Teaching Restrictions

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The “Freedom to Learn” campaign held a day of action rally on May 3, 2024. Moreover, the national movement aims to combat book bans and teaching restrictions (“USA Today”). Additionally, scholars Kimberlé Crenshaw and Khalil Gibran Muhammad initiated the campaign. Furthermore, its goal is to fight the disinformation and erasure of marginalized histories (“Freedom to Learn”).

Protesters Demand Students’ Right to Honest Education

Protesters, including college students, marched from the Library of Congress to the Supreme Court. Moreover, they chanted “We won’t go back!” and carried signs supporting the freedom to learn (“USA Today”). Furthermore, speakers emphasized the campaign’s multi-year effort leading up to the 2024 elections.

“We will not sleep…and hell yes, we will be woke!” declared Marc Morial (“USA Today”).

Campaign Responds to Surge in Restrictive Laws

The Freedom to Learn campaign has emerged in response to a surge of restrictive laws. Specifically, these state laws and school policies restrict teaching topics like racism, gender, and sexuality (“Brookings”). As of early 2023, 21 states had enacted such measures. Consequently, millions of students are impacted (“Freedom to Learn”).

Most Banned Books in the U.S. Include LGBTQIA+ and Racial Themes

Pie chart showing that 47% of books targeted for censorship represent LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices, with the remaining 53% representing other voices. The chart uses dark olive green and black colors to differentiate the segments. Source: American Library Association, URL: https://www.ala.org/bbooks/censorship-numbers — Proportion of 2023s book censorship targeting titles representing LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices comprising nearly half of all attempts

Many of the most frequently banned books in the U.S. explore LGBTQIA+ themes. For example, “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe has been widely banned (“AAA State of Play”). Additionally, “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson faces bans for its LGBTQIA+ content (“ALA”).

Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” Among Commonly Challenged Classics

Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” is frequently banned for its depictions of sexual abuse and racism (“Wikipedia”). In addition, other classic novels like “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Of Mice and Men” also face challenges (“Wikipedia”).

Texas Leads Nation in Book Bans, Targeting Various Topics

Texas is the state with the most book bans, with 438 in fall 2022 (“AAA State of Play”). Gov. Greg Abbott has signed laws to remove “sexually explicit” materials from schools. However, Texas bans also target books exploring racial identity, racism, and abortion (“AAA State of Play”).

“Some schools have books with sexually explicit and vulgar materials. I’m signing a law that gets that trash out of our schools,” stated Gov. Abbott (“AAA State of Play”).

Even “The Diary of Anne Frank” Faces Bans

Shockingly, even “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank has been banned. Challengers cite sexual content and homosexual themes as reasons for removal (“Wikipedia”). This classic Holocaust memoir is among the ALA’s most challenged books (“CBS News”).

Bar graph showing an increase in book titles targeted for censorship, with 2,571 titles in 2022 and 4,240 titles in 2023. The bars are colored in dark olive green. Source: American Library Association, URL: https://www.ala.org/bbooks/censorship-numbers — Increase in Book Titles Targeted for Censorship from 2022 to 2023 highlighting a significant surge in censorship attempts

The increasing book bans in the U.S. disproportionately target LGBTQIA+ content, racial themes, and other progressive topics. Texas, Florida, Missouri, Utah, and South Carolina see the most local book challenges (“PEN America”). Consequently, as the debate over censorship in education continues, these bans raise alarming questions about intellectual freedom.

Supporters Claim Laws Prevent “Divisive Concepts”

Supporters argue these laws protect against “divisive concepts” and “woke indoctrination” (“USA Today”). However, civil rights leaders say it amounts to censorship. Moreover, they believe it prevents schools from honestly addressing racism’s legacy and ongoing impacts (“Freedom to Learn”). Furthermore, the campaign asserts students’ right to learn the nation’s full history.

“We will not accept a watered down, inaccurate, misleading, or sanitized version,” the campaign states (“Freedom to Learn”).

Rally Kicks Off “Freedom Summer 2024”

The rally served as a kickoff to “Freedom Summer 2024”. Specifically, this initiative will include a Critical Race Theory summer school in New York (“USA Today”). With the 2024 presidential election looming, the Freedom to Learn campaign aims to prioritize education. Moreover, it will mobilize opposition to these teaching restrictions (“USA Today”).

Legacy civil rights groups like the NAACP have endorsed the Freedom to Learn campaign. Additionally, the National Urban League and National Action Network also support it (“Freedom to Learn”). As the debate over teaching Black history rages on, this movement seeks to protect students’ freedom to learn.

About the author

Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been pursuing his love of teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.