From Protecting Children to Silencing Adults: The Expanding Reach of Censorship in America​

What began as a movement to shield children from “inappropriate” content has evolved into a sweeping campaign that now restricts access to literature for adults, including those in esteemed institutions like the U.S. Naval Academy. This shift raises profound concerns about intellectual freedom and the role of libraries in a democratic society.​

The Evolution of Censorship: From Child Protection to Adult Suppression​

Historically, censorship efforts in the United States have often been justified as necessary measures to protect children from materials deemed unsuitable. Books addressing topics like sexuality, race, and gender identity were frequently targeted in school libraries under the premise of safeguarding young minds.​

However, recent developments indicate a significant escalation. In April 2025, the U.S. Naval Academy's Nimitz Library removed 381 books from its collection. This action, part of a broader initiative to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) materials from federal institutions, marks a concerning extension of censorship into adult educational environments. (See Axios.)​

Notable Works Among the Removed​

The list of removed titles includes seminal works that explore critical aspects of American history and society:​

• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou​
  
  
• How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi​
  
  
• White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo​
  
  
• Memorializing the Holocaust by Janet Jacobs​
  
  
• Our Time Is Now by Stacey Abrams​
  
  

These works offer valuable insights into racial identity, systemic inequality, and historical events. Their removal from a military academy's library underscores a troubling trend of restricting access to diverse perspectives.

The "Government Speech" Argument and Its Implications​

In legal arenas, a new justification for such censorship is emerging. Florida's Attorney General has argued that materials in public school libraries constitute "government speech," granting the state authority to regulate content without violating the First Amendment. (See Yahoo.)​

This perspective challenges the traditional view of libraries as forums for free expression and access to a multitude of ideas. If upheld, it could set a precedent allowing government entities to remove materials based on ideological disagreements, fundamentally altering the landscape of intellectual freedom in public institutions.​

Broader Impact on Military and Educational Institutions​

The censorship trend is not isolated to the Naval Academy. The Army and Air Force have also been directed to review and potentially remove DEI-related books from their libraries. (See AP News.) This systematic approach to content removal raises alarms about the erosion of academic freedom and the suppression of critical discourse within institutions tasked with developing future leaders.​

Legal Challenges and the Defense of Intellectual Freedom​

In response to these developments, legal challenges are mounting. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed lawsuits against the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), asserting that the removal of books related to race and gender violates students' First Amendment rights. (See AP News.)​

These legal actions aim to reaffirm the principle that access to diverse ideas and information is a cornerstone of a free society. They also highlight the importance of vigilance in protecting the rights of individuals to read and learn without undue government interference.​

Conclusion: Upholding the Right to Read​

The expansion of censorship from protecting children to restricting adult access to literature signifies a troubling shift in the balance between governmental authority and individual freedoms. As efforts to control and limit access to information intensify, it becomes imperative to advocate for the preservation of intellectual freedom across all public institutions.​

The Freedom to Read Project remains committed to defending the rights of individuals to access a broad spectrum of ideas and perspectives. In the face of growing censorship, we must collectively uphold the values of free inquiry and expression that are fundamental to a vibrant and open society.​