tldrdaily.news logo
Tag

Book Censorship

All articles tagged with #book censorship

social-issues1 year ago

"2023's Top Challenged Books: Majority Feature LGBTQ Themes"

The American Library Association released a list of the 10 most challenged books of 2023, with seven of them featuring LGBTQ themes, sparking debates over what reading materials are appropriate for kids and teenagers. The moves to restrict or withdraw books have been driven by conservative activist groups and Republican elected officials, leading to a 65% spike in book challenges over the previous year. The association emphasized the importance of protecting the freedom to choose what to read and highlighted the harmful impact of pressure groups targeting books about LGBTQIA+ people and people of color.

via NBC News|
#american-library-association#book-censorship#book-challenges
books-and-literature1 year ago

"Rising Resistance: LGBTQ Books Face Ongoing Challenges in Libraries"

Maia Kobabe's graphic memoir "Gender Queer" has topped the American Library Association's list of most challenged books for the third consecutive year, sparking debates over library content and parental control. The ALA's top 10 snapshot includes several books with LGBTQ themes, as well as sexually explicit content, with bans and attempted bans reaching record highs in 2023. Many of the challenged books touch upon LGBTQ and racial themes, reflecting ongoing controversies surrounding book censorship and content appropriateness in libraries and schools.

via The Associated Press|
#american-library-association#book-censorship#books-and-literature
law-and-politics2 years ago

"Federal Appeals Court Blocks Texas Law Restricting Library Books"

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked a Texas law that would have required booksellers to rate books for sexual content in school libraries, deeming it unconstitutional and a violation of the First Amendment. The law, passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature, faced opposition from bookstores, authors, and publishers, who argued that it could lead to book bans and restrictions. The decision prevents the Texas Education Agency from enforcing the law, with the court finding that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed in proving that the act violated their First Amendment rights and would cause irreparable economic harm to booksellers.

via NBC News|
#book-censorship#federal-appeals-court#first-amendment
education2 years ago

Record High Book Challenges Lead to Controversial Ban on Banned Books Week in North Carolina School District

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district in North Carolina has banned educators from participating in the American Library Association's "Banned Books Week" and canceled associated events, stating that it is not aligned with the district's academic curriculum or pillars of excellence. This comes after a bill was passed in August allowing parents to challenge textbooks and library books in the state.

via The Daily Beast|
#banned-books-week#book-censorship#charlotte-mecklenburg-school-district
books-and-literature2 years ago

John Green's Book Removed from Young Adult Section Sparks Controversy

John Green's popular young adult novel, "The Fault in Our Stars," has been removed from the teen shelves at Hamilton East Public Library in Indiana due to a new policy targeting books deemed not "age appropriate." Green expressed his disappointment on social media, stating that the decision is ludicrous as the book was written for teenagers and does not harm them. The library board's policy focuses on language about sexuality, profanity, and criminal acts. The review of books in the teen section is expected to continue until next year, with estimated costs reaching up to $300,000.

via IndyStar|
#age-appropriateness#book-censorship#books-and-literature
law-and-society2 years ago

Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas Law Criminalizing Librarians Over 'Harmful' Books

A federal judge in Arkansas has issued a preliminary injunction blocking a law that would have allowed criminal charges against librarians and booksellers for providing "harmful" materials to minors. The law, signed by Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, was set to take effect on August 1. The judge's decision also rejected a motion to dismiss the case and recognized the law as censorship and a violation of the Constitution. The lawsuit comes amid a growing number of conservative states pushing for measures to ban or restrict access to books, with last year seeing the highest number of attempts to ban or restrict books in 20 years.

via NPR|
#arkansas#book-censorship#first-amendment
education2 years ago

Christian groups successfully remove books from Pennsylvania school libraries.

Conservative parents and Christian advocacy groups in Pennsylvania's Central Bucks School District have succeeded in removing two books from school libraries under a new book-challenge policy enacted by the Republican majority on the school district's board of directors. The policy allows parents to challenge a book in a school library if it depicts implied or actual nudity or "sexual acts" and a committee of district staff then reviews it. The policy was written with advice and legal counsel from Christian non-profit organizations allied with the influential national group the Family Research Council, which advocates for religious freedoms and against LGBT rights.

via Reuters|
#book-censorship#christian-groups#education
education2 years ago

Utah School District Reverses Bible Ban After Outcry.

The Davis School District in Utah has reversed its decision to ban the Bible from library shelves for students of all ages. The district had initially limited access to the religious text to just high schools, citing "vulgarity or violence." However, a review committee appointed by the district found that the book did not violate the state's law on inappropriate books. The decision to limit access was met with 70 appeals filed by parents and community members challenging the restriction. The district's Board of Education voted unanimously to restore the Bible to all schools, despite pressure from Republican state lawmakers who attacked the district for the initial ban.

via Salt Lake Tribune|
#bible-ban#book-censorship#davis-school-district
education2 years ago

Florida Teacher Investigated for Showing Strange World Film to Students

A Florida teacher is allegedly under investigation for showing students the Disney animated film Strange World, according to a letter from the Florida Department of Education. The investigation comes amid concerns from Florida teachers that they are being stymied and intimidated by new legislation championed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, including book censorship and limitations on discussions of race and sex. DeSantis has claimed, without evidence, that there is “indoctrination in our schools” and allowed his press secretary to claim that teachers are “grooming” pupils.

via The Guardian US|
#book-censorship#disney#education
entertainment2 years ago

Tom Hanks weighs in on book censorship and cancel culture.

Tom Hanks has pledged to boycott any book that is re-written to avoid offending "modern sensitivities," stating that he will decide what he finds offensive. Hanks made the comments during a pre-recorded interview on BBC Radio 4, in which he was asked about the retroactive editing of works by dead authors such as Roald Dahl and Agatha Christie. Publishers have recently hired sensitivity readers to make iconic works "less offensive," including removing words like "fat," "mad," and "old hag." Hanks argued that readers should have faith in their own sensibilities and not have someone else decide what they may or may not be offended by.

via Daily Mail|
#book-censorship#classic-literature#entertainment
entertainment2 years ago

Tom Hanks talks cancel culture, new book, and movie making.

Tom Hanks expressed his opposition to cancel culture and book censorship while promoting his upcoming novel, "The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece." The actor believes that individuals should have the freedom to decide what they find offensive and not have someone else make that decision for them. Hanks also discussed his personal experiences on movie sets and how they relate to his new book, which is about the production of a Hollywood superhero movie.

via Fox News|
#book-censorship#cancel-culture#entertainment
culture2 years ago

The Enduring Impact of Judy Blume's Radical Honesty.

The upcoming film adaptation of Judy Blume's "Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret" highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding books that discuss sexuality and other taboo topics for young readers. While legislation and book bans attempt to restrict access to such material, the digital age makes it increasingly difficult to control what kids can find out on their own. Blume's books have always been a target of censorship, but their appeal lies in their ability to provide a private, independent conversation for young readers.

via POLITICO|
#adolescence#book-censorship#culture
society2 years ago

Banning LGBTQ-themed books remains a top challenge in 2022.

The American Library Association has reported a record high of 1,269 challenges to over 2,500 books in 2022, with 90% of challenges directed at multiple books and nearly a fifth made by political/religious groups. Seven of the 13 books on the "Most Challenged Books" list were challenged for having LGBTQ content, sending a message of exclusion to the LGBTQ community. Conservative lawmakers and activists have rallied around limiting LGBTQ issues being taught in schools, queer symbolism from being displayed in classrooms, and transgender athletes from participating in school sports. The group of books, as with all books, should remain on shelves without "fear or favor," according to the director of the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom.

via NBC News|
#american-library-association#banned-books#book-censorship
books-and-literature2 years ago

"Controversial Books: The Top Targets of Bans and Censorship in 2022"

The American Library Association reported over 1,200 challenges to library books and resources last year, with nearly half resulting in outright bans or restrictions. The most challenged books include "Gender Queer: A Memoir," "All Boys Aren't Blue," and "The Bluest Eye." Challenges primarily target books that elevate marginalized voices, particularly those of LGBTQ+ and people of color. The ALA recommends that parents guide their child's reading and get involved at the local level to preserve the freedom to read.

via PBS NewsHour|
#american-library-association#banned-books#book-censorship
education2 years ago

Book banning on the rise: ALA reports doubling of attempts in 2022.

The American Library Association's Office of Intellectual Freedom reported that the number of challenges to books doubled in 2022, with a nearly 40% increase in challenges to unique titles compared to 2021. The ALA's list of most challenged books includes 2,571 unique titles banned or challenged, with many claims of LGBTQIA+ or sexually explicit content. Despite the high challenge numbers, a library association poll shows a large majority of Americans don't believe in banning books.

via NPR|
#american-library-association#banned-books#book-censorship