As we mark Banned Books Week, it is urgent to reflect on the importance of defending the freedom to read. Censorship not only threatens individual rights but also stifles the open exchange of ideas that is fundamental to a thriving democracy. Yet, in the last three years, 42 states have experienced book bans, and 16 states have passed “divisive concepts” legislation limiting what can be learned and taught. At Democracy Forward, we are deeply engaged in defending these freedoms and have empowered people and communities across the country to disrupt harmful and unlawful censorship policies in court.  

Defending the Freedom to Read in the States

In Alabama, we represent families and librarians working together in a lawsuit to challenge efforts to censor books featuring LGBTQ+ themes and historically marginalized communities. The Autauga-Prattville Public Library Board of Trustees is pushing to set harmful policies to prevent libraries from acquiring any books marketed to minors that include material on a broad and arbitrary “selection criteria” and to remove existing books from library shelves. Books like To Kill a Mockingbird and 1984, among many other classic and modern books, would no longer be available to Alamabians in Prattville. 

In Florida, we represent parents in a lawsuit challenging the state’s discriminatory book ban policy. This policy creates a system that discriminates against parents who oppose book bans and censorship. If a book is challenged and removed, parents who want to keep the book on shelves cannot seek state review of that removal. Parents who want to keep books on shelves-–a viewpoint that the state disfavors—are excluded from the review process. Florida’s actions have removed books from classrooms based on arbitrary motivations, ignoring the rights of parents and students to choose what to read. 

In Arkansas, we represent librarians as part of a coalition challenging the state’s censorship law threatening to drown out public libraries and peoples’ access to books. Under this law (Act 372), Arkansas librarians could face up to a year in jail if they fail to stop minors from accessing books containing a wide range of materials Arkansas ‘ harmful’ – including those with LGBTQ+ themes. This Act also allows any person in Arkansas to demand the removal of a book the person considers inappropriate, limiting readers to one person’s opinion about what books should be in the library. 

The Broader Impact

Censorship in any form undermines the foundation of a free society. It creates an environment where voices are silenced, and ideas are suppressed—often those that have been historically marginalized. The ability to access a wide range of perspectives, particularly in educational and public spaces, fosters critical thinking and cultural understanding. By restricting access to books that reflect diverse experiences, censorship narrows the lens through which we view the world.

Through our work, we are pushing back against these dangerous policies and upholding core democratic principles. The freedom to read is more than a right—it’s a necessity for an informed, engaged, and inclusive society.

As we observe Banned Books Week, it’s important to recognize the vital role that organizations, advocates, and all people play in protecting the freedom to read. Democracy Forward will continue to be at the forefront of these efforts, ensuring that censorship is not the norm and that libraries and classrooms remain spaces of learning and growth.