1. United States
2. Letter

I urge you to take decisive action against the unprecedented surge in book bans that occurred in the latter half of 2023. The PEN America report reveals a staggering 4,349 instances of book bans across 23 states and 52 public school districts during that period, more than the entire previous school year. This represents a direct attack on the freedom of speech and expression, as well as an assault on the role of public and school librarians and educators. The report highlights how a small number of individuals are often responsible for instigating these bans, fueled by hyperbolic rhetoric and attempts to censor books addressing important topics like sexual violence and LGBTQ+ identities. This form of censorship is unacceptable in a free society and poses a grave threat to the principles of intellectual freedom and diversity. Librarians and teachers should be celebrated for their commitment to providing access to a wide range of perspectives and resources, not subjected to harassment and censorship campaigns. It is crucial to protect their ability to curate collections that foster critical thinking, empathy, and understanding. I implore you to take a firm stance against these book bans and censorship efforts. Safeguard the rights of librarians, educators, and students to engage with diverse materials that reflect the rich tapestry of human experiences. Uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and ensure that our public institutions remain bastions of knowledge, exploration, and open discourse.