(check back throughout the semester as we add to this list)
STATISTICS AND GENERAL INFORMATION
ALA’S list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023 from April 2024. [Submitted by RTO]
American Intolerance and Book Bans: Book Censorship News, February 2, 2024 This is the fifth in a series of posts based on the results of three recent surveys conducted by Book Riot and the EveryLibrary Institute. The page is full of links to lots of data. [Submitted by RTO]
“Banned in the USA: Beyond the Shelves” This article discusses how PEN America has been keeping track of book bans during the 2023-24 school year. There were 10,046 instances of book bans in that amount of time. The article shows its key findings. One of the main points of the article is that it’s essential for young people to have access to books with a variety of representations. [Submitted by MC]
“Book Ban Data” This article includes specific data from the American Library Association about attempts to censor books in schools and academic libraries. In the first few weeks of 2024. It also described the types of books being banned or challenged, and the themes explored in them. [Submitted by MC]
“SLJ’s Reviews of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2022” This article lists the top 10 most challenged books of 2022. The article lists the challenged book and also describes its themes and content. It’s interesting to just see what the books listed explore and compare the themes. (from School Library Journal) [Submitted by MC]
“Us Public Schools Banned 10,000 Books in Most Recent Academic Year” This article discussed how more than 10,000 books were banned in the U.S in 2023-2024. This increased significantly from last year because of new censorship laws in Republican-led states. The article mentions examples of some of the books banned including books with topics about sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, LGBTQ+ content, stories about people of color. Many people like teachers, librarians, and parents are taking legal action to bring back books. (from The Guardian) [Submitted by MC]
SOME SURPRISING STORIES ABOUT CENSORSHIP
“Activists ‘fight against censorship’ in the largest US book bans: prisons” (from The Guardian) Empson, in her article “Activists ‘fight against censorship’ in the largest US book bans: prisons” draws attention to an issue rarely privileged in censorship news coverage, prison book bans. Empson finds that while schools and libraries facing book bans are widely covered and discussed in political conversations about censorship, the US prison system censors books more than any other institution in the country. A report from the Marshall Project in 2022 finds that roughly half of states have lists of over 50,000 banned books. Other states which do not have specific lists of banned books only allow books to enter their facilities on a case-by-case basis. This means that censorship is based on the staff’s arbitrary decisions and has little oversight. In some states, like New Mexico, prisons have tablets for inmates for the purpose of accessing reading materials. However, inmates usually have to pay to utilize these tablets. In New Mexico, the rate to read a book from a limited list is 5 cents per minute while the wage of inmates is 10 cents per hour. This means that even books that are nominally available to read in prisons are inaccessible to inmates. [Submitted by SMSM]
‘My Heart Sank’: In Maine, a Challenge to a Book, and to a Town’s Self-Image A library in Maine has refused to remove a book that liberal locals want suppressed. From the New York Times, Feb. 3, 2024. [Recommended by RTO]
A Secret Shelf of Banned Books Thrives in a Texas School, Under the Nose of Censors An NPR about a secret shelf that’s no longer a secret. Just as useful for the many other articles linked in the story as for the story itself. From NPR, Jan. 29, 2024 [Recommended by RTO]
Students reported her for a lesson on race. Then she taught it again. A high school teacher in South Carolina got busted for teaching Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Between the World and Me, and instead of backing down she doubled down. From the Washington Post, Feb. 1, 2024. [Recommended by RTO]
What It’s Like to Celebrate Black History in a State Where It’s Banned Here’s another left-leaning piece about Florida. From Mother Jones, Feb. 1, 2024. [Recommended by RTO]
CENSORSHIP OF ART AND LITERATURE
“Call For “Censorship Culture” to End as Unity Mitford’s German Diary Is Revealed” “Call For “Censorship Culture” to End as Unity Mitford’s German Diary Is Revealed” (from The Guardian) Unity Mitford is a woman recognized to have been part of Adolf Hitler’s inner circle and of the British Union of Fascists. The unions’ purpose was to bring Europe into a new civilization. She became involved with them due to her interest in the Nazi culture and involvement with the union. On January 18th, , 2025, entries from 1935 to 1939 of Mitford’s diary were published providing insight to her interactions and contributions with Hitler and antisemitism. The contents of this diary being published now, are a piece of history that was being restricted which now raised many questions about the Record Act of 1830 and how restricting many more documents like this is violating the act and robbing the people’s right to know their history. [Submitted by CATS]
CENSORSHIP OF JOURNALISTS
“Departing the New York Times: I Left to Stay True to My Byline” Paul Krugman, Nobel laureate in economics and longtime opinion writer for the New York Times, quit his job at the Times in protest of editorial meddling. Though he doesn’t use the term “censorship,” he clearly describes being censored by the newspaper, with its institutional force behind the “suggestions” made by his editors. (from The Contrarian Substack) [Submitted by RTO]
“Fury at CBS ‘Censorship’ as they Fire Reporter after Passionate Outburst over Elon Musk’s ‘Nazi Salute’” Sam Kuffel, a meteorologist with WDJT-TV (Channel 58) called out Elon Musk for doing the “Nazi salute.” She was later fired from the station with her profile wiped from the website. (from MSN) [Submitted by DB]
CENSORSHIP OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND PORNOGRAPHY
“Banning TikTok Enables Online Censorship” The TikTok ban was justified in the interest of protecting National Security, with the baseless facade of preventing China from spying on Americans. However, this was just a facade to cover the true intentions of censoring the information circulating about the Israel-Gaza war. The issue was resolved once the Supreme Court recognized the American right to the First Amendment, even if it meant consuming foreign propaganda, as there were no viable threats to national security by doing so. (from the Freedom of the Press Foundation) [Submitted by KYD]
“Bill Aimed at Protecting Children Online Sparks Debate over Censorship and Privacy” In 2023 a survey was conducted on the level of exposure kids were facing while navigating the web. The results concluded that about 65 percent of children were exposed to online threats such as but not limited to violence, hate speech, and misinformation. Given the results a bill to better assess and manage the situation was presented and passed by the U.S. Senate on the 30th of July, 2024. “The Kids Online Safety Act” was then presented and this bill aims to better protect children from the dangers they may encounter while online. The passing of this bill means companies and platforms of online formats must reasonably mitigate harm by permitting the decision to opt out of personalized algorithms. The bill does not impact the content online but interferes with the design. The platform’s collection of data will still collect information about the users but it won’t collect more than what platforms today already collect. However, the idea of this bill may violate our First Amendment freedoms and presents the concern that lack of information may now be an issue. Questions have now been raised on who are the people determining what content is permissible. However, because this bill is a federal act states cannot interfere with the act bringing some alleviation to these concerns. (from PBS News) [Submitted by CATS and DB]
“Donald Trump Plans Social Media Comeback” Throughout the Social Media platforms President Donald Trump has been suspended for various reasons such as leading his followers and fans to do repulsive acts and saying inappropriate things. Nonetheless, he plans on getting social media back and says it will be better than ever. (from BBC News) [Submitted by AM]
“Revisions of ‘Hateful Conduct’: What Users Can Now Say on Meta Platforms” With Mark Zuckerberg’s alters of alterations to the policy of meta platforms oversights of what content can be shared are being placed. No longer can users refer to individuals as “it” or “weird,” seen in reference to the LGBTQ+ community because the use of “it” or “weird” displays political and religious discourse about the LGBTQ+ community. The new policy does allow users to include speech that may insult and exclude individuals when discussing including but not limited to ideas of politics, religion, immigration, and sexuality. Meta does still have policies in place that content targeting people or demonstrating dehumanizing speech should not be posted however, content may compare women to objects and people to things such as “diseases.” Warnings have been removed against content that refers to racist experiences and vulgar language. With the new revisions of meta policies, there appears to be a “newer” allowance of speech regardless of what kind of speech. (from The Guardian) [Submitted by CATS]
CENSORSHIP BY THE U.S. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
“Here are the Words Putting Science in the Crosshairs of Trump’s Orders” National Science Foundation staff have been combing through thousands of active science research projects, alongside a list of keywords, to determine if they include activities that violate Trump’s executive orders. (from The Washington Post) [Submitted by RTO]
“Trump’s release of assassination docs opens window into nation’s most debated mysteries” America has waited decades for the full release of documents relating to the killings of JFK, RFK and MLK. That wait may soon be over. (from USA Today) [Submitted by DB]
“A White House order claims to end ‘censorship.’ What does that mean?” (from NPR’s All Things Considered). Among other recently signed and implemented executive orders by newly inaugurated president Donald Trump is an executive order “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship.” The order describes that federal bodies may not “unconstitutionally abridge the free speech of any American citizen” and particularly focuses on “online platforms” which had allegedly colluded with the Biden administration to restrict misinformation and disinformation. However, research finds that right-wing mis- and disinformation are on the rise on online platforms, suggesting that censorship of right-wing content has not been executed disproportionately. The executive order additionally prohibits the use of “taxpayer resources” for censorship of speech which has impacts for current research on mis- and disinformation in the field of political communication. Some researchers have already changed fields of study in response to their funding being cut for current projects. [Submitted by SMSM and DB] This has been widely reported. See also the New York Times story and the propagandistic press release from the Department of Education.
CENSORSHIP ON CAMPUS
“New Hampshire Teachers Unions Fight State Censorship of Anti-Racist Education” Published in February of 2022, Liberation News reported on the then-new bill (HB 1255) which was introduced by Alicia Lekas in the New Hampshire state House. The bill would restrict the teaching of topics related to Indigenous genocide, race-based chattel slavery, and other “divisive concepts” in public schools. The bill, an extension of a 2021 state budget provision signed by Republican Governor Chris Sununu, updates a 1949 “Teachers’ Loyalty” law to prohibit educators from presenting a “negative account” of U.S. history without providing “worldwide context.” Teachers found in violation could face license suspension or revocation. During public hearing on the House floor, 2,200 commenters from the community and the local teachers union, NEA-NH opposed the bill and Lekas backpedaled with the guise of changing the language. The bill ultimately died on the floor that legislative session. This is a recent example of censorship practices which aim to explicitly prohibit certain information from being proliferated, in this case, in educational settings. (from Liberation, the Newspaper of the Party for Socialism and Liberation) [Submitted by SMSM]
“UNM Board of Regents Votes to Amend Free Speech Policies” The UNM Board of Regents recently changed the free speech policies on campus to clarify the content of speech allowed and protected on campus. In statements from Robert Schwartz and others, it is made clear that any explicitly “violent” content is not allowed, but bigoted ideology is allowed and even named the KKK as a group that would be welcome to host events on campus. The Regents also explain how these changes were in direct response to the UNM Duck Pond Encampment which peacefully occupied UNM’s Duck Pond to protest the genocide of Palestinians and demand divestment from University investments in companies contributing to that genocide. (from the UNM Daily Lobo) [Submitted by SMSM]
“Utah Students can No Longer Bring Personal Copies of Banned Books to School” It’s just what it sounds like—students can’t bring in books that have already been banned in the library and in classrooms. The story has been updated—to add another book to the list of prohibited books. (from KUER 90.1FM) [Submitted by RTO]
INTERNATIONAL CENSORSHIP
“British Hitman Found Guilty of Plotting to Kill Pakistani Activist.” This article is about a man named Muhammad Gohir Khan who was offered a job without knowing his role but he was offered $134,000. He was happy to accept it because he was deep in debt so he went to Rotterdam in the Netherlands to find his victim Waqass Goraya. Goraya was a Pakistani Activist but throughout his career he was threatened for going against the government. Hitman Gohir Khan did not get his target and was convicted of conspiracy of murder. Nonetheless, Goraya said “threats and intimidation don’t work. It makes people resilient. It makes their voices louder.” (from BBC News) [Submitted by AM]
“Cuba Protests: Internet Sheds Light on Anger: Until It Goes Dark.” Many Cubans were given the opportunity to get the internet in 2018 and with their platform they are presenting how awful their government is treating them and protesting for better regulations. Nonetheless, Cubans are fighting for better lives and with their internet access they will get noticed, however the government took the internet away and now they are left with nothing they can do and no help. (from BBC News) [Submitted by AM]
“Kem Ley : A Shooting that Shook Cambodia” In this article it was discussing how the King of Cambodia was shot by Chuob Samlab and killed immediately leaving all his people shocked. The man murdered him because he wanted to present the risk of speaking out against the government and he wanted to scare people around them, so he went for the big guy to send his message. As a result of Kem Ley’s shooting a organization was created called “Young Analyst Group,” which helped many people who were too flabbergasted by the killing of their king. Their inspiration was “I dont want to be silenced, I don’t want other people to be completely silenced and I thought there was an obligation to try and keep the space open to send a message that we can’t be silenced easily.” (from BBC News) [Submitted by AM]
“Pakistan’s Parliament Passes Bill with Sweeping Controls on Social Media” The lower house of Parliament in Pakistan passed a bill on the 22nd of January granting the government sweeping controls on social media. This means that all content considered offensive and unlawful will be blocked. This requires media platforms to abide by the bill in regard to Pakistani users. The users are also subjected to being sentenced three years in prison and a fine of 2 million rupees (a total of $7,150) if they are caught spreading what is now considered “disinformation.” Unions have come together to reject the bill but constant push of censorship has not resided. Journalists, human right defenders, and unions have come together to oppose the law though efforts seem in vain because the government will always hold the majority. The government continues to claim that this bill is for the well-being of the people but many fear that this is but another way to keep them from being heard and from hearing. (from the Associated Press) [Submitted by CATS]
PERSPECTIVES ON THE DEBATE OVER FREE SPEECH
ACLU: The Problem With Censoring Political Speech Online – Including Trump’s Following the decision by various online platforms to suspend former President Trump’s accounts, concerns have emerged regarding the immense power these platforms hold over online speech and their potential to silence individuals. While some policymakers argue that these platforms disproportionately target conservative voices, actions like Florida’s new law prohibiting online platforms from blocking political candidates’ accounts and compelling them to publish candidate content, regardless of community standards or First Amendment protections, are deemed unconstitutional. Despite the platforms’ right to control content, there’s a call for them to preserve political speech and transparency, including clear rules for content removal and penalties, to ensure access to important political discourse and uphold free expression. [Submitted in 2024 but still relevant]
ACLU: What the Fight Against Classroom Censorship is Really About This article is written by ACLU, American Civil Liberties Union. They talk about how politicians and state officials, especially on the east coast, are controlling what is being taught in classrooms, to the point of silencing the voices of oppressed historical individuals. The situation is re-whitewashing the history lessons and going backwards in time. Thy emphasis on the importance of free speech in educational settings and it’s need for protection. [Submitted in 2024 but still relevant]
Adults Have a Lot to Say About Book Bans — But What About Kids? Children, ages 9 – 12, are giving their perspective on book bannings. The children are from different states with book bannings taking place. There are numerous pieces of media with adults speaking their mind on the book bannings, NPR correspondent Elizabeth Blair set out to give a few kids a platform to hear their take on the issue. NPR’s radio show allotted time on their radio show “All Things Considered” and the segment was then transcribed into a digital article. [Submitted in 2024 but still relevant]
Alliance Defending Freedom: There’s No Place for Government Censorship in Counseling Sessions The increasing rates of depression among Americans, exacerbated by factors like the global pandemic, heightened divisiveness, and economic challenges, highlight the critical need for accessible mental health support. According to this conservative Christian think tank, some state and local governments are imposing censorship on mental-health professionals, particularly regarding discussions on gender ideology, violating freedom of speech and impeding counselors’ ability to address clients’ needs effectively. These laws not only restrict counselors’ ability to provide holistic care but also infringe on clients’ rights to explore and address their personal struggles in private sessions, prompting concerns about governmental overreach and the need to protect free speech in therapeutic settings. [Submitted in 2024 but still relevant]
As a New Generation Rises, Tension Between Free Speech and Inclusivity on College Campuses Simmers Younger generations of Americans are beginning to debate with older generations about the relationship between free speech and hate speech. This debate has been exacerbated through current events and increases of hate crimes throughout the United States and much of the world marginalizing people psychologically as well as harming them physically. [Submitted in 2024 but still relevant]
Richard Obenauf, PhD 