Academic freedom is under assault like never before in this country. According to the American Library Association, between 2000 and 2020 there were an average of 265 book challenges a year. In 2021, the number of book challenges jumped to 1,858; in 2022, 2,571; in 2023, a staggering 4,240, many taking place in New York schools and public libraries.
Sadly, our schools and libraries have been dragged into the front lines of the culture wars.
As NYSUT celebrates Banned Books Week this week, we applaud the educators and students who are standing up against censorship and protecting the freedom to learn.
Here are some of their stories that we’ve collected:
In New York, book challenges have also taken place in Amherst, Arlington, Brewster, Dobbs Ferry, Hyde Park, North Salem, Pine Plains, Putnam Valley, Scarsdale, Wappingers, Yorktown, South Orangetown, Briarcliff Manor, Marlboro, Hamburg, Orchard Park, West Seneca, Lancaster, Cheektowaga, Clarence, Williamsville, Kenmore, Mahopac, Somers and Washingtonville.
“The right to read is under attack more than it has been in decades,” said New York Library Association President AnnaLee Dragon. “The climate right now for librarians and library workers is difficult, nationwide, and even in New York. We are all facing continually increasing challenges to intellectual freedom and to our core values.”
And yet, even as the debate around censorship rages on, a new study released by the Knight Foundation in late August concludes that these book challenges are being triggered by a very small number of people. In fact, according to the research, the majority of Americans (65 percent) oppose efforts to restrict books in public schools, and 78 percent of Americans say they are very or somewhat confident that public schools select appropriate content for students.
Interested in knowing your rights when it comes to book challenges and censorship? The NYCLU is hosting a free webinar for educators this Thursday, “Know Your Rights and Fight Censorship.”