Pidluzny (minority witness)Ī livestream will be available on YouTube and the Committee on Oversight and Reform website."How many of your colleagues in Congress did that, and what evidence do you have? Because you know Congressman Scott Perry is denying it," Bash asked Sunday. Speech Under Attack: Book Bans and Academic Censorship.” Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties hearing entitled, “Free Combatting these efforts is paramount to protecting the First Amendment rights of students and teachers, and preserving free speech in America. The current efforts to ban books are part of a broader attack on free speech in the classroom that amounts to educational censorship. These bans are unpopular among most Americans, and three out of every four public-school parents believe that books should be available in school libraries on an age-appropriate basis. Studies have shown that not only do students benefit from learning experiences that utilize and highlight diversity, but that removing books about LGBTQ+ experiences from schools further stigmatizes and isolates LGBTQ+ students who are already more likely to suffer depression and consider suicide. These groups assert they are only challenging books that are “divisive” or “indoctrinate” students, but in reality are trying to ban books like Ruby Bridges Goes to School, Beloved, Families, Families, Families!, and Maus. However, some right-wing groups and media outlets have pushed false narratives to justify educational censorship aimed at controlling and chilling free speech. Many of these texts help children and young adults to recognize differences and respect the humanity of others rather than to stigmatize and shun people who are different than themselves. Meanwhile, some school administrators are preemptively removing library books out of fear.īooks being challenged or banned include those that discuss racial equity, have minorities as protagonists, address LGBTQ+ issues, or have Black or LGBTQ+ authors. In 2021, the American Library Association (ALA) recorded 729 challenges to remove nearly 1,600 books from school and public libraries-the highest number of attempted book bans in the 20 years that the ALA has tracked this data. Jamie Raskin, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, will hold a hearing to examine the ongoing efforts across the country to ban books from schools and public libraries.īook challenges and bans are rising at unprecedented rates, with ideologically motivated organizations and legislators in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Indiana, and other states leading campaigns to remove books from schools and public libraries. Bios and the prepared statements of witnesses are found here.įrom the House Committee on Oversight and Reform: Committee Chairman Raskin’s opening statement is available here. UPDATE April 7, 2022: A video recording of today’s hearing is available here and also embedded below. UPDATE ApHearing SUMMARY: At Subcommittee Hearing, Witnesses Detail the Devastating Impact of Book Bans on Students and Teachers (via House Oversight Committee) UPDATE ApMedia Coverage: Congress Investigates Book Banning in Schools (via PW) UPDATE ApALA Submits Comments Opposing Book Banning for House Oversight Committee Hearing (via ALA)
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