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