What's happened
A new PEN America report finds over 6,800 instances of book bans in US schools for 2024-2025, down from over 10,000 last year. The bans are concentrated mainly in Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, targeting themes like LGBTQ+ content, race, violence, and sexual themes. Stephen King’s works are frequently censored, with 206 bans. The report highlights ongoing political and legal pressures influencing censorship, with some states showing fewer bans due to laws limiting library authority.
What's behind the headline?
The book banning trend in the US reflects a broader cultural and political divide. The report underscores that most bans are driven by fears of controversy, often preemptively removing books before any direct threat arises. The concentration of bans in Florida, Texas, and Tennessee indicates a strategic focus on conservative-led legislation aimed at controlling educational content. Stephen King’s frequent censorship illustrates how even popular, mainstream authors are caught in this wave of censorship, often because their works contain themes deemed objectionable, such as violence or sexuality.
This trend suggests a shift towards a climate of self-censorship, where schools and districts remove books to avoid legal or community backlash, rather than in response to actual challenges. The disparity between states with strict bans and those with laws limiting library authority highlights the politicization of education and free expression. The ongoing federal resistance, including the Department of Education’s dismissal of investigations, indicates that this issue will persist, likely intensifying as political debates around education and censorship continue.
The long-term impact could be a significant narrowing of available educational and literary resources, especially for marginalized groups. The trend also raises questions about the future of academic freedom and the role of government in regulating access to information. Overall, the report signals that book bans are not just about content but are emblematic of deeper ideological conflicts shaping American society.
What the papers say
The Guardian, AP News, and The Independent all report on the decline in the number of book bans from over 10,000 last year to around 6,800 this year, but emphasize that bans remain concentrated in a few states, notably Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. The Guardian highlights that 80% of bans originate from these states and that many are driven by fears of controversial themes like LGBTQ+ content and race. AP News notes that PEN’s figures are higher than other reports because they count temporary restrictions, and mentions the federal government’s dismissive stance on the issue. The Independent adds that the bans often target 'adult' titles and content with sexual themes, but also include mainstream authors like Stephen King, who is censored 206 times. All sources agree that the political and legal environment is fueling a climate of preemptive censorship, with some states enacting laws that limit library authority, making the scope of bans difficult to quantify fully. The divergence in methodology between PEN and other organizations like the ALA is also discussed, with PEN’s broader count reflecting the ongoing and widespread nature of the issue.
How we got here
The report by PEN America tracks book bans in US schools, revealing a significant rise over recent years. The increase is driven by political and community pressures, especially in conservative states. The bans often target themes related to race, sexuality, and violence, with some states enacting laws that restrict library content. The federal government has also been involved, with the Department of Education dismissing investigations into bans as a 'hoax.' The data shows a stark divide between states with high bans and those with laws limiting censorship.
Go deeper
Common question
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Are Book Bans Decreasing in the US?
Recent reports show a decline in the number of book bans in US schools for 2024-2025, but the issue remains complex. While the total bans have decreased from over 10,000 last year to around 6,800, they are still concentrated mainly in states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. Many themes, including LGBTQ+ content, race, and sexual themes, continue to be targeted. Curious about what drives these bans and how they impact education? Keep reading to find out more about current censorship trends and what they mean for students and communities.
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Are Book Bans in US Schools Increasing or Decreasing?
Recent reports show a decline in the number of book bans in US schools, but the issue remains complex. While the total bans have decreased from over 10,000 last year to around 6,800 in 2024-2025, they are still concentrated mainly in states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. Many themes, including LGBTQ+ content, race, and sexual themes, continue to be targeted. Curious about how these bans are changing and what factors influence them? Keep reading to find out more about current censorship trends and what they mean for free speech in schools.
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Stephen Edwin King is an American author of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, crime, science-fiction, and fantasy novels.
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PEN America (formerly PEN American Center), founded in 1922, and headquartered in New York City, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose goal is to raise awareness for the protection of free expression in the United States and worldwide through the...
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