Recognizing and Responding to Attacks on the Freedom to Read

In recent years, challenges to books in schools and libraries have become a major focal point for debates surrounding education, freedom of expression, and censorship. These attacks, often rooted in ideological disagreements, seek to limit access to literature, especially when it comes to books with LGBTQ+ themes, depictions of sexual conduct, or content on topics such as mental health or social justice. The growing trend of book challenges—sometimes leading to outright bans—threatens the very foundation of intellectual freedom in our society.

The Freedom to Read Project emphasizes the importance of recognizing when a coordinated attack on literature is occurring and understanding the strategies employed by book challengers. By being aware of these tactics and understanding the broader implications, we can better defend the right to read freely, especially in public and educational spaces.

The Coordinated Nature of Attacks

Book challenges don’t happen in a vacuum; they are often part of a larger, coordinated effort to restrict access to certain kinds of information. While some may argue that individual complaints about books are motivated by concern for children’s well-being, there is a growing recognition that these efforts are not merely reactive but carefully planned and organized.

For instance, websites like BookLooks and RatedBooks have emerged as resources for objectors, offering pre-packaged "objection reports" that make it easier for individuals to file complaints about books in school libraries. These reports often contain misleading information or out-of-context quotes, making it difficult for the defenders of intellectual freedom to address the specifics of each challenge. The increasing availability of such resources allows these objections to be filed in large numbers, sometimes in multiple districts or states at once. This tactic undermines the process of reviewing these objections fairly and ensures that the voices of those advocating for diverse perspectives in literature are drowned out by well-organized opposition.

The common thread through many of these attacks is a belief held by a small, hyper-conservative subset of the community that certain topics—such as sexuality, gender identity, and social justice—should never be introduced to minors. This group has hijacked the concept of “age-appropriate” content, demanding the removal of books they deem inappropriate for young readers. While some claim their concerns are based on protecting children from “pornography” or “inappropriate content,” it is crucial to recognize that the objection is not based on a neutral standard of protection but rather on a specific ideological stance that disregards the value of diverse perspectives.

Misrepresentation of Content

A key strategy employed by those who seek to challenge books is to misrepresent or distort the content of those works. This can include taking scenes out of context, mischaracterizing the themes of a book, or presenting the content as far more explicit than it truly is. For example, some objectors claim that any depiction of same-sex relationships or LGBTQ+ characters is inherently “pornographic” or “hyper-sexual.” Yet, these same objectors often have no issue with traditional, heteronormative works of fiction that contain romantic or sexual content, such as the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale.

Another tactic is to dismiss the educational value of books that explore sensitive topics like sexual assault, mental health, or LGBTQ+ identity. In these cases, critics may argue that these books “glorify” difficult or controversial issues, ignoring the critical context that helps readers understand the characters’ emotional and psychological journeys. Books like Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo, which addresses LGBTQ+ identity in a historical context, or The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, which deals with race and police violence, are often targeted for their honest portrayals of complex issues. But these books provide important lessons in empathy, social justice, and personal growth, and the decision to remove them from shelves is an attack on free expression.

The Use of Performance and Public Meetings

Another tactic used by book challengers is to exploit public meetings, such as school board hearings, to create an emotional reaction that leads to the removal of a book. In these meetings, objectors may read aloud explicit passages from the books they want banned, hoping to shock the board and the audience into making an impulsive, misguided decision. These performances often take place without the full context of the work, designed to manipulate the emotions of decision-makers rather than engage in thoughtful debate.

The goal is clear: to create an environment in which the defenders of intellectual freedom are put on the defensive and the book’s supporters are made to feel uncomfortable. In many cases, objectors may not have even read the book in question in its entirety, yet they rely on shock tactics to make their point. Unfortunately, school boards and other decision-makers are often unprepared for such manipulative performances, which can make it difficult for them to maintain a fair, balanced approach to the issue.

Personal Attacks and Intimidation

The growing politicization of book challenges has also led to an increase in personal attacks against those who defend the freedom to read. Librarians, educators, and even students have been subjected to harassment, bullying, and threats of violence in an effort to silence their support for inclusive literature. Social media campaigns designed to defame and intimidate individuals who defend diverse books are also becoming more common. The purpose of these attacks is clear: to create an atmosphere of fear that discourages people from speaking out in favor of intellectual freedom.

In some cases, these tactics have led to severe consequences, including job loss or professional isolation for those working in education or libraries. This chilling effect, in which people are afraid to speak up for fear of professional or personal repercussions, is one of the most insidious forms of censorship. It is critical that we recognize this aspect of the book banning movement and continue to support those who are being unfairly targeted.

The Impact on Libraries and Schools

The broader implications of these coordinated book bans extend beyond individual books or authors. By removing books from school libraries, we are limiting students’ access to a diverse range of perspectives. We are denying young people the opportunity to explore different cultures, understand complex social issues, and see themselves reflected in literature. In many cases, the books that are being challenged are the very ones that help marginalized groups feel seen and heard.

When school boards or libraries acquiesce to these attacks and remove books from their shelves, they are sending a message that certain voices and experiences are not worthy of inclusion. This is a direct threat to the intellectual freedom of all students, not just those who may be directly impacted by the content of the books in question.

Defending the Freedom to Read

So, what can be done to combat these attacks on intellectual freedom? First, it’s important to recognize that these efforts are not isolated incidents but part of a larger campaign to restrict access to information. By understanding the tactics used by book challengers and the broader implications of their actions, we can better defend the right to read.

One key strategy is to engage in open, honest conversations about the value of diverse literature. It is essential to emphasize that books can provide critical insights into issues like identity, mental health, and social justice, and that young people are more than capable of engaging with complex topics in an age-appropriate way.

Additionally, supporting organizations like the Freedom to Read Project and others dedicated to defending intellectual freedom can help build a stronger, more united front against book banning efforts. By standing together, we can ensure that books—especially those that challenge the status quo—remain accessible to all.

Finally, it’s important to remember that defending intellectual freedom requires more than just words. It requires action. Whether through public advocacy, supporting affected educators and librarians, or participating in campaigns to keep books on shelves, we all have a role to play in ensuring that the freedom to read remains protected for future generations.

Conclusion

The coordinated attacks on books in schools and libraries are not just an attack on individual works; they are an attack on the values of intellectual freedom and diversity. By recognizing these efforts for what they are—an attempt to limit access to information—we can more effectively defend the right to read. Through education, advocacy, and support for those on the front lines, we can ensure that future generations continue to have access to the books that allow them to explore, question, and understand the world around them.

CLICK HERE to get a free resource on Precautionary and Reactionary Efforts you can do to address book banning.