Truthout
Book Bans
![Close up hand search for book on bookshelves in the library.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2024/08/2024_0812-books-400x300.jpg)
Utah Bans Titles by Judy Blume, Margaret Atwood in School Libraries Statewide
“The state’s no-read list will impose a dystopian censorship regime across public schools,” one critic of the bans said.
![Opponents of a book ban hold signs during a Huntington Beach city council meeting on October 17, 2023, in Huntington Beach, California.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2024/08/GettyImages-1730937766-400x300.jpg)
Students and Educators Are Joining Forces to Fight Book Bans Across the US
Experts say protecting literary freedom relies on organized parents, kids and educators asserting their power.
![Looking down on books](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2024/07/2024_0712-books-400x300.jpg)
Idaho Law Criminalizes Librarians Who Allow LGBTQ Books to Stay on Their Shelves
An informal survey suggests that more than half of the librarians in Idaho are considering leaving their jobs.
![Person sets book down between other books at library](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2024/04/2024_0426-library-400x300.jpg)
Alabama House Passes Bill That Could Be Used to Criminalize Librarians
Critics argue the legislation violates the First Amendment.
![Maryland Gov. Wes Moore speaks at an event on the Biden Administration's workforce initiative plan at Carver Vocational School on November 13, 2023, in Baltimore, Maryland.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2024/04/2024_0426-wes-moore-400x300.jpg)
Maryland Governor Signs “Freedom to Read Act” Into Law
“Maryland takes a bold step forward in safeguarding the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ youth and educators.”
![Puck Carlson is a high school student, an activist and a plaintiff in the Lambda Legal/ACLU of Iowa lawsuit against Iowa’s anti-trans bill SF 496.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2024/04/1-lead-photo-Puck-Carlson-Credit-ACLU-of-Iowa-400x300.jpg)
Meet the Teenager Challenging Iowa’s Anti-LGBTQ Legislation
Iowa teen Puck Carlson is pushing back against Iowa legislators’ attack on LGBTQ youth through activism and a lawsuit.
![People march with signs reading "FREADOM" during an outdoor demonstration against book banning](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2024/04/2024_0403-banned-books-400x300.jpg)
Teachers Are Fighting Book Bans and Unjust Firings in Courts and State Houses
Under attack from the right, teachers are resisting with legislation, grassroots organizing and lawsuits against bans.
![Book turning pages in dark](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2024/03/2024_0315-book-400x300.jpg)
Attempted Book Bans Last Year Targeted More Than 4,240 Titles, an All-Time High
There is “absolute evidence” of an effort “to remove particular books,” an American Library Association official said.
![Two new rows of shelves dedicated to Youth Restricted Books sit mostly empty at the Huntington Beach Central Library in Huntington Beach, California, on February 21, 2024.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-2046573160-400x300.jpg)
E-Books Can Subvert Book Bans, But Corporate Profit-Seeking Stands in the Way
Exorbitant costs and restrictive licenses are obstructing libraries’ efforts to resist book bans via access to e-books.
![Ron Desantis](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2024/02/2024_0228-ron-desantis-400x300.jpg)
Florida Officials Cut Sociology as Core College Class in War on Critical Thought
Sociology educators say the discipline is a right-wing target because it challenges students to question the status quo.