Banned Books

Ideas are powerful. That’s why the right to free expression includes the freedom to read whatever we choose. But it’s also why state governments and local school districts have attempted to restrict access to books in school libraries and classrooms.

Illustration of a worm on top of books (a bookworm)

The Latest

Resource
Decorate collage with student and pencils.

Education Justice Hub

News & Commentary
Gender Queer memoir cover art

Banned Books and the Rise of Censorship

The threat of censorship and the suppression of knowledge is alive and well today and continues a long legacy of attempting to silence minoritized people.
Press Release
Placeholder image

NC House Overrides Gov. Stein’s Veto on Anti-Diversity Bills

Issue Areas: Racial Justice, Student Rights, Free Speech, Banned Books
Press Release
Placeholder image

NC General Assembly Forces Harmful Bills into Law Despite Governor Vetoes

Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights, LGBTQIA+ Equality, Banned Books

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation

Legislation
May 6, 2026

HB 1043: Anti-LGBTQ Book Ban

This bill adds several amendments to the so-called “Parents Bill of Rights,” an anti-LGBTQ school censorship bill.
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Jun 18, 2025

HB 805: Anti-Trans/School Censorship Bill

HB 805 is an anti-trans bill that impacts transgender and nonbinary people throughout the state, while also limiting the curriculum and materials schools can provide to their students.
Status: Became Law Over Governor's Veto
Position: Oppose
Legislation
May 12, 2025

HB 636: Banning Books in Schools

This bill severely restricts the books that can be added to public school libraries and allows parents and county residents to sue public schools that violate these book-banning bills.
Status: Passed House
Position: Oppose