Raskin and Schatz Advocate for Banned Books Week Recognition

By Jane Laurey:

On September 27, 2023, Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) reintroduced a Resolution that would recognize Banned Books Week and denounce the current book ban epidemic and ensuing freedom of expression concerns.

This resolution aims to combat the censorship of books in K-12 classrooms by emphasizing the need for a wide variety of books in order to sustain civil discourse and democratic life. Supporters of the resolution state that censorship deteriorates diversity in classrooms and prohibits students from understanding a wide array of perspectives.

“The escalating crisis of book bans across our country in recent years is a direct attack on First Amendment rights and should concern everyone who believes freedom of expression and the freedom to read are essential for a strong democracy,” Said Rep. Raskin, “The sinister efforts to remove books from our schools and libraries are a hallmark of authoritarian regimes. My Democratic colleagues and I will continue fighting back against these threats to our First Amendment rights.”

Advocates of the bill have also highlighted how the majority of banned books are either written by members of marginalized communities or discuss the experiences of members of marginalized communities, including POC, the LGBTQ+ community, or members of minority faiths. Additionally, they have stated that bans on books pertaining to the perspective of marginalized communities degrade our country’s ability to understand and empathize with others’ experiences.

“Across America, most of us want the same thing – strong public schools where all students, no matter their race, ZIP code, or background, have the resources and opportunities to grow into their full brilliance. But sadly, in some communities politicians are ignoring the vast majority of parents by banning books about Martin Luther King Jr., Anne Frank, Billie Jean King, and Roberto Clemente,”  said National Education Association President Becky Pringle. “By taking books off the shelves of classrooms and school libraries, politicians are taking away students’ freedom to learn about themselves, their communities, and our nation’s history. On behalf of America’s educators, the National Education Association applauds Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Jamie Raskin for their efforts to condemn book banning by recognizing Banned Books Week.”

Moreover, critics of book bans have asserted that censorship goes directly against free speech, which they believe is the foundation of our country. They have asserted that free speech upholds the democratic values of our country.

“The growing movement to ban books is eroding America’s proud history of celebrating – and defending – free expression as the hallmark of our democracy. Restrictions on the freedom to read and learn are turning our nation’s public schools into political battlegrounds, creating environments that make it impossible for our students to flourish and our educators to do their jobs,” said Nadine Farid Johnson, managing director of PEN America Washington and Free Expression Programs. “We applaud Representative Raskin, Senator Schatz, and the cosponsors for spearheading these timely resolutions, which highlight the troubling rise in educational censorship and reaffirm the importance of protecting Americans’ First Amendment rights.”

Supporters of the Banned Books Resolution include 40 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives and 15 co-sponsors in the Senate. The Resolution also has the endorsement of numerous other organizations, including the American Library Association (ALA), PEN America, National Book Foundation, EveryLibrary, National LGBTQ Task Force Fund, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and many more.

“EveryLibrary is proud to support this resolution. We know that access to a broad selection of books and information help children learn empathy and respect for all Americans. We know that children who have read a broad range of literature are more likely to achieve more as they get olde,” said John Chrastka, Executive Director, EveryLibrary. “The book banning movement is also costing taxpayers millions of dollars per year in a multitude of states. This money could be better served educating students and ensuring that they have the resources they need to be successful in life. This resolution will show our commitment to the future success of our country.”