This Senate resolution expresses concern about a growing number of book bans and other limits on freedom of expression. It cites reports from PEN America about thousands of book removals and lists many specific titles that have been challenged. The resolution cites Supreme Court cases and the First Amendment and says book bans hurt students, educators, authors, parents, and communities. It also says some federal actions and executive orders have led to books being removed from Department of Defense schools and military academy libraries.
The resolution makes six formal calls, including reaffirming support for freedom of expression, asking local governments and school districts to follow best practices for book challenges, protecting students and educators, returning books removed from Department of Defense schools and libraries since January 2025, and repealing executive orders and directives that restrict school and library content.
The measure states the Senate's concern and lists steps the Senate wants taken. It was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. The resolution highlights data and examples of challenged books and calls on local school districts and the Department of Defense to act as described.
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The sponsors argue that book bans are increasing and that these bans harm students (especially from marginalized backgrounds), chill educators and librarians, suppress authors, and limit community access to information. The resolution cites PEN America figures (6,870 instances of individual books banned between July 2024 and June 2025; 3,751 unique titles) and gives examples of challenged books and states with large numbers of bans. It also points to removals from DoD schools and military libraries as actions the sponsors want reversed.
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