Schools Have So Far Banned Over 10,000 Books: PEN

Photo: PEN America

India-West News Desk

NEW YORK, NY – A recent report by PEN America reveals that nearly 10,000 books were banned in U.S. public schools during the 2023-2024 academic year, marking a threefold increase from the previous year. The nonprofit, which advocates for free expression, attributes this surge to new censorship laws in some states.

PEN America’s survey shows that Florida and Iowa led in book bans, with around 8,000 bans reported between the two states, largely influenced by state legislation. Other districts, including Wisconsin’s Elkhorn Area School District, also recorded significant increases, temporarily banning over 300 titles.

The report indicates that many of the banned books address sexual content, including romance, women’s experiences, and stories involving sexual abuse. Books featuring LGBTQ+ characters, themes about race or racism, and characters of color were also frequently targeted.

PEN America suggests the true extent of book censorship may be even higher than reported. The organization notes that many incidents go unreported and highlights additional forms of “soft censorship,” such as restrictions on book purchases, classroom library removals, and cancellations of author events.