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Banned Books: Current legislation related to book banning

Resources about current and past banned and Challenged books and the legislation trends we currently see

Data from PEN America 2021-2023

PEN America

Visit the PEN America website to learn more and to use their searchable database for passed/dead/pending legislation related to book bans as they are being applied in Educational settings.

While it may seem that book bans are are tied to political affiliation, it is important to note that recent book challenges have come from both major parties in the U.S.

Book bans are not new but something that is new in Educational environments, is a change in challenge processes and therefore, potentially in outcomes.

Generally, requests for review and/or removal come from parents  to school boards where the decisions are made and conveyed. PEN America and others are documenting a shift in that model in which state governments are directing school boards to comply with legislation or face punishment.

Texas' "Book Rating" Law

Should books have "ratings?"

Some lawmakers think so.

Read more about a new law in Texas in the Library Journal.