The Rise of Book Banning

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in campaigns aimed at banning and removing books from school and public libraries across the United States. This wave has spanned both conservative and liberal regions and has targeted a range of literary works, particularly those that engage with themes of LGBTQ+ identities, racial justice, and gender equality. The efforts began gaining traction around 2021, coinciding with a broader political climate that emboldened radical voices and organized groups like Moms for Liberty. Notably, these campaigns often occur without grassroots community complaints, suggesting a manufactured agenda rather than authentic local concerns.