‘Explicit’ Sex Claims ‘Exaggerated,’ Black and LGBTQ+ Characters Overwhelmingly Targeted, New Book Ban Analysis Finds

Analysis Reveals Black and LGBTQ+ Characters Face Targeting in Book Bans

A recent analysis conducted by PEN America has shed light on the disproportionate targeting of Black and LGBTQ+ characters in book bans. The nonprofit organization scrutinized over 10,000 instances of book bans during the 2023–2024 academic year, uncovering a concerning trend of censorship in schools across the United States.

The analysis, released on February 27, delved into the 4,218 unique titles banned in public schools, representing a staggering 200% increase from the previous school year. A notable finding was that 36% of the banned books featured real or fictional characters of colour. Within the nonfiction category, encompassing historical and biographical works, 44% centred around people of colour, with 26% specifically focusing on Black individuals.

Furthermore, the report revealed that 29% of banned titles during the academic year incorporated LGBTQ+ individuals, characters, or themes. Among these, 28% highlighted transgender and/or genderqueer characters, with more than half of the banned LGBTQ+ books featuring communities of colour. The analysis also touched upon the portrayal of sexual experiences in banned books, noting that proponents often categorize stories with consensual sexual content as “explicit.”

Apart from race and LGBTQ+ representation, the analysis highlighted that 20% of all banned titles revolved around issues of race and racism, while 15% covered social movements and activism. Additionally, 13% of banned books delved into topics such as policing, incarceration, and 7% focused on immigrant and refugee narratives. Works addressing themes of death, grief, abuse, violence, and mental health were also reported to face bans at an elevated rate.

Sabrina Baêta, the senior manager of PEN America’s Freedom to Read program, remarked on the impact of targeted censorship, labelling it as a harmful endeavour to erase the stories, accomplishments, and history of historically marginalised communities from educational institutions. The consequences of such censorship, particularly on young learners, were underscored as being detrimental.

PEN America’s analysis further pinpointed specific titles that were among the most banned during the stated academic year, including renowned works like ‘Nineteen Minutes’ by Jodi Picoult, ‘Looking for Alaska’ by John Green, ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ by Stephen Chbosky, and ‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini. The overall removal of books reflecting diverse groups within society was criticised for counteracting the inclusive essence of library collections.

The organisation reiterated that the act of silencing narratives related to specific demographics obstructs the fundamental purpose of libraries, which is to encapsulate the lived experiences of all individuals. The imperative need to preserve diverse voices in literature was emphasised, underlining the irreversible repercussions of erasing such perspectives from the realm of education.

The profound impact of book bans on society and the educational landscape cannot be understated. As stakeholders continue to navigate the complexities of censorship, advocates stress the importance of upholding the freedom to access diverse narratives that reflect the rich tapestry of human experiences.

In conclusion, the revelation of targeted censorship against Black and LGBTQ+ characters underscores the urgency to safeguard literary diversity in educational settings. By championing inclusivity and fostering a culture of open dialogue, institutions can cultivate environments that celebrate the multiplicity of voices and narratives that contribute to a holistic educational experience.