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Defend Your Right to Learn: Join In The Fight Against Classroom Censorship

Last updated on August 30, 2023

Banning Books and Censoring Classroom Discussions

In 2023, more than 100 classroom censorship bills aimed at restricting students and teachers from discussing race, gender, or sexual orientation were introduced in states across the country. Thirty-two bills became law. The year prior, the country saw the highest number of attempted book bans in 20 years with more than 1,000 demands to censor library books and resources, many of which targeted titles by or about Black and LGBTQ people.

The ACLU has challenged classroom censorship laws and book bans across the country. Today, we’re expanding on that work by pushing back against attempts to restrict diversity, equity and inclusion programs. We won’t stand for the erasure of marginalized communities in our schools.

A graphic featuring a classroom setting and a thought bubble, which reads, "Read The Toolkit."

All young people have a First Amendment right to learn free from censorship or discrimination — and the ACLU is committed to defending this right. But we need your help.

With the many resources in our toolkit, we hope that you’ll take action against classroom censorship efforts in your own school/school districts. There is no time to waste, so let’s get started and do our part to ensure that everyone has the right to learn.

Here’s what you’ll find in our Right to Learn toolkit:

Share Your Rights

Another way to fight school censorship is to spread the word that an equitable and inclusive education is your right! If you need help finding your voice, we’ve supplied talking points that you can use online, or to start a dialogue with family and friends.