U.S. Schools See 200% Surge in Book Bans Targeting Diverse Perspectives

Between July 2023 and March 2024, U.S. public schools experienced a significant surge in book bans, with over 10,000 instances recorded—a nearly 200% increase from the previous school year. This escalation predominantly targeted literature featuring characters of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, raising concerns about academic freedom and access to diverse perspectives in education.

According to PEN America, a nonprofit organization advocating for free expression, the 2023–2024 school year saw 10,046 instances of book bans, affecting 4,231 unique titles. Florida and Iowa led in the number of bans, with over 4,500 and 3,600 instances respectively. The bans predominantly targeted literature featuring people and characters of color (44%) and LGBTQ+ individuals (39%).

In Florida, the enactment of House Bill 1069 in July 2023 mandated the removal of any book challenged for "sexual conduct" during the review process. Similarly, Iowa's Senate File 496, effective the same month, required all school materials to be "age-appropriate," prohibiting any description or depiction of a "sex act." These legislative actions have been linked to the significant rise in book bans during the 2023–2024 school year.

The surge in book bans has prompted legal challenges. In Iowa, major publishers, including HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, have joined a lawsuit challenging the state's new law, arguing it violates students' First Amendment rights. In Florida, on June 6, 2024, three parents sued the state's Board of Education, alleging it violated their First Amendment rights by not providing a process to object to book removals from school libraries and classrooms.

The removal of books addressing topics such as race, sexuality, and mental health concerns limits students' exposure to diverse perspectives and critical thinking opportunities. PEN America emphasizes that such bans hinder students' critical thinking, empathy, and long-term success.

The dramatic increase in book bans during the 2023–2024 school year underscores a significant shift in the educational landscape, driven by legislative actions and societal debates over content appropriateness. This trend raises critical questions about academic freedom, the role of education in fostering diverse perspectives, and the balance between parental concerns and students' rights to access information.