A new report from PEN America found that thousands of books were removed from U.S. public schools during the 2024–2025 school year, disproportionately featuring people of color, LGBTQ+ characters, and nonfiction subject matter, reflecting what the organization describes as an expansion of educational censorship. According to the report, PEN America documented 3,743 unique titles banned during the […]
book bans
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
U.S. Department of Education Dismisses Complaints on “Book Bans” and Ends Related Oversight
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced on Friday that it has dismissed 11 complaints about removing certain books from school libraries. The complaints alleged that local school districts created a hostile environment for students by eliminating materials deemed age-inappropriate, sexually explicit, or obscene. OCR also announced it has rescinded department […]
Posted inBook Review
Scholastic reverses censoring “Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice” collection
In a letter addressed to their authors and community, Scholastic Trade Publishing President Ellie Berger revealed that Scholastic has reversed its previously contentious decision regarding the optional status of diverse texts at Scholastic Book Fairs. This letter was not released to the public but posted on social media last night by several authors, who addressed […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher
Book Bans: South Carolina Department of Education Breaks Ties with State Librarians
The most recent controversy concerning the state of South Carolina and book bans happened recently with the State Superintendent Ellen Weaver touches on school libraries and policies. The state superintendent recently severed ties between the South Carolina Department of Education and SCASL (South Carolina Association of School Librarians), ending a 50-year partnership. The break with […]