The US conservativism wave led to 1,500 banned books in the first half of the school year. Read to know more.
Banned books: There were nearly 1,500 instances of book banning across the US in the first half of 2022-23
As per a new report by PEN America, there were nearly 1,500 instances of book banning across the US in the first half of the 2022-23 school session. “During the first half of the 2022-23 school year PEN America’s Index of School Book Bans lists 1,477 instances of individual books banned, affecting 874 unique titles. This represents an increase from the prior six months, from January to June 2022, in which 1,149 instances of book banning was recorded,” stated the PEN America report.
PEN documents the ban by splitting the book into four categories. They are those banned in classrooms, in libraries, in libraries and classrooms, and pending an investigation. While data is limited, the true number is “unquestionably much higher”. “Over 4,000 instances of banned books have been recorded since PEN America started tracking book bans in July 2021, affecting 2,253 unique titles. The bans impact 182 school districts in 37 states and millions of students,” added the free speech organization.
More on the situation
The PEN report reveals that banning books is most prevalent in Florida, Texas, Missouri,m South Carolina, and Utah. Additionally, most of the themes are by or about LGBTQ individuals and people of color. “In these six months, 30% of the unique titles banned are books about race, racism, or feature characters of color. Meanwhile, 26% of unique titles banned have LGBTQ+ characters or themes,” stated PEN.
“Challenges to books, specifically by non-white male authors, are happening at the highest rates we’ve ever seen. What is happening in this country regarding banning books in schools is unparalleled in its frequency, intensity, and success,” explained Jonathan Friedman. Friedman is the director of PEN America’s Free Expression and Education. “We are witnessing the erasure of topics that only recently represented progress toward inclusion,” he added.
