Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SR857

Introduced
9/25/24  

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 aims to uphold the rights of students, educators, and librarians by denouncing actions that restrict access to diverse books. It expresses the belief that students, including those from historically marginalized communities, have the right to explore a broad range of stories and perspectives. Additionally, it encourages the implementation of best practices when addressing book challenges in educational environments to protect the intellectual freedom of students. This effort reflects broader concerns regarding the implications of censorship on educational integrity and public access to information.

Summary

SR857 is a resolution expressing concern about the growing issue of book banning and the threats it poses to freedom of expression in the United States. The resolution highlights increasing instances of book censorship in various school districts, citing over 10,000 books banned between July 2023 and June 2024, which represents a considerable escalation from previous years. The resolution calls for the reaffirmation of the First Amendment rights that protect freedom of speech and the access to literature, asserting that such freedoms are fundamental to a thriving democracy.

Contention

The resolution underscores significant points of contention regarding book bans, particularly those affecting literature that addresses race, racism, LGBTQ+ themes, and other sensitive topics. It cites instances where classic and contemporary works, which promote diversity and foster critical thinking, have been challenged and removed from educational curricula. By addressing the chilling effects of book bans, the statement signals a growing tension between those advocating for educational freedoms and those supporting stricter content controls based on ideological or political grounds.

Companion Bills

US SR372

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.

US HR733

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

US HR1499

Related 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 HR1499

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

US SR372

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 HR733

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

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 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 HR1192

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 countering 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 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 SR534

A resolution expressing support for the recognition of January as "Muslim-American Heritage Month" and celebrating the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans in the United States.

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