In response to a surge in book bans across the United States, some states are enacting laws prohibiting banning books in public libraries, including K-12 schools and colleges. This trend follows increasing efforts to restrict educational content on race and sexual identity, driven by the "parental rights movement" and conservative groups.
Although book censorship has always been a recurring issue, the American Library Association saw a sharp increase in publications that were targeted last year. There were over 4,300 recorded book bans in 23 states between July and December 2023 alone, an unparalleled amount of censorship.
Minnesota recently joined Illinois and Maryland in passing legislation to counter these bans. The newly passed Minnesota law aims to establish uniformity in handling book challenges. It prevents banning books based solely on their viewpoints and requires licensed librarians to be involved in the review process.
Rep. Cedrick Frazier, who authored the bill, emphasized the goal of establishing a uniform and transparent process for handling book challenges statewide. This approach maintains parental input on educational materials while standardizing the review procedure across all school districts and public libraries.
The impetus for these laws stems from conflicts in various states, including Minnesota, where there has been significant debate over books like "Gender Queer: A Memoir." This book, among the most frequently challenged, faced attempts at removal in places like Carver County, but the local library board upheld its availability. Governor Tim Walz emphasized that the law balances the prevention of unwarranted censorship with maintaining parental rights to review and challenge materials.
READ ALSO: Growing Bans on LGBTQ+ Books Reflect Historical Suppression of Queer Literature
Despite these measures, some parental rights groups criticize the new laws. For example, the Minnesota Parents Alliance argues that the focus on book banning detracts from addressing more critical educational issues such as literacy and student achievement. They see the law as a political maneuver rather than a solution to substantive educational challenges.
Conservative parents and activists also claimed that the books are excessively sexually explicit or otherwise controversial, deeming them unsuitable, particularly for younger readers. National organizations like Moms for Liberty argued that parents should have greater authority over the books accessible to their children.
Minnesota's librarians and educators welcomed the law, viewing it as a protective measure. They expressed relief at having clear legal guidelines safeguarding their professional decisions and protecting them from potentially losing their jobs over controversial book orders. This security blanket law allows librarians to make informed, logical decisions about book acquisitions without fear of punitive actions.
Educational leaders like Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota, highlighted the importance of allowing educators to focus on teaching rather than engaging in cultural battles over book content. The law is viewed as a way to ensure that educational content remains comprehensive and inclusive, reflecting diverse perspectives and histories.
Nationally, organizations like EveryLibrary support grassroots efforts to oppose book bans and safeguard library funding and governance. Working with coalitions in multiple states, they aim to protect against censorship, ensure diverse voices are heard, and uphold libraries' role in providing free access to information without political interference. Their mission underscores the broader national effort to maintain free speech and expression in educational environments amidst growing censorship challenges.
In March, EverydayLibrary released a working draft for comment titled "Divisive Politics and Threats to Academic Libraries." The institute encourages colleagues from the academic library ecosystem to engage with the ideas, insights, and recommendations presented in the Working Draft and provide comments, feedback, and constructive criticism.
RELATED ARTICLE: Minnesota Lawmakers Pass Education Bill Prohibiting Book Bans, Introducing New School Mandates