Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SR372

Introduced
9/27/23  

Caption

A resolution expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

Impact

The resolution reaffirms the commitment of the United States to protect the freedom of expression enshrined in the First Amendment, advocating for the rights of students, educators, and librarians to access and provide varied literature without government censorship. It calls upon local governments and school districts to adhere to best practices for handling challenges to books, aiming to safeguard the educational environment and uphold the principles of intellectual freedom throughout the country.

Summary

SR372 is a resolution expressing concern about the growing problem of book banning in the United States and the threats it poses to freedom of expression. The resolution highlights a significant increase in instances of book bans across various states, citing that nearly 3,400 instances of individual books have been banned or restricted from July 2022 to June 2023, representing a 33-percent rise from the previous year. This trend raises alarms over the adverse implications for democratic values and the rights of individuals to access a diverse range of literature.

Contention

A significant aspect of the resolution is its emphasis on the critical impacts of book bans, particularly on students from marginalized backgrounds whose voices may be silenced. The resolution outlines concerns about the chilling effect on educators and librarians as they navigate an increasingly punitive climate. The discussion surrounding SR372 marks a push against the trend of censorship, asserting that access to diverse viewpoints is essential for educational integrity and cultural development in schools.

Notable_points

The resolution points to high-profile cases of book bans affecting significant works of literature and themes that encompass diverse perspectives, including those centered on race, racism, and LGBTQ+ identities. It highlights that 36 percent of banned books contain LGBTQ+ themes and 37 percent address issues surrounding race, emphasizing the need for ongoing advocacy for inclusivity in educational resources and recognition of the harmful consequences that book bans pose to democratic engagement.

Companion Bills

US HR733

Same As Expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

US HR1499

Same As Expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

US SR857

Related A resolution expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

Previously Filed As

US HR733

Expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

US SR857

A resolution expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

US HR1499

Expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

US SR569

A resolution recognizing religious freedom as a fundamental right, expressing support for international religious freedom as a cornerstone of United States foreign policy, and expressing concern over increased threats to and attacks on religious freedom around the world.

US SR688

A resolution recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024.

US SR191

A resolution recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2023.

US SR52

A resolution recognizing religious freedom as a fundamental right, expressing support for international religious freedom as a cornerstone of United States foreign policy, and expressing concern over increased threats to and attacks on religious freedom around the world.

US HR357

Responding to growing threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world, reaffirming the centrality of a free and independent press to the health of democracy, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance on World Press Freedom Day.

US SR114

A resolution urging the Government of Thailand to protect and uphold democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, and for other purposes.

US SR169

A resolution expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.

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