Response from the American Library Association

In response to a dramatic uptick in book challenges and the removal of books from school and community libraries, the American Library Association released a joint statement condemning these actions as “acts of censorship and intimidation.”  In the opening paragraph, the ALA wrote:

In recent months, a few organizations have advanced the proposition that the voices of the marginalized have no place on library shelves.  To this end, they have launched campaigns demanding the censorship of books and resources that mirror the lives of those who are gay, queer, or transgender or that tell the stories of persons who are Black, Indigenous, or persons of color.  Falsely claiming that these works are subversive, immoral, or worse, these groups induce elected and non-elected officials to abandon constitutional principles, ignore the rule of law, and disregard individual rights to promote government censorship of library collections.  Some of these groups even resort to intimidation and threats to achieve their ends, targeting the safety and livelihoods of library workers, educators, and board members who have dedicated themselves to public service, informing our communities, and educating our youth.