Defending the Right to Read: Combating Censorship
- Eat More Art Staff
- Apr 30
- 6 min read
By Eat More Art staff
The Growing Threat of Censorship
Censorship is on the rise, with more books being removed from school and library shelves across the nation. As communities grapple with this issue, parents, educators, and advocates in Las Vegas must take action to protect the right to read and preserve intellectual freedom. The following covers local responses to key national measures and mandates that impact our citizens.
The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District has announced the discontinuation of its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) program in response to an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in January that halts DEI initiatives across federal agencies. The decision affects the district's 25 branches serving approximately 1.76 million residents across Southern Nevada and was shared with employees, according to a Las Vegas Review-Journal report dated February 27. Executive Director Kelvin Watson emphasized that despite the program’s dissolution, the district remains committed to maintaining a supportive environment.
“The Library District’s commitment to fostering a positive, respectful, and welcoming environment for our valued staff and customers remains unchanged,” Watson told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
In the coming weeks, the district will begin dismantling its DEIA Committee, which has been responsible for promoting diversity awareness and addressing recruitment and retention challenges, as outlined in the district’s DEIA Action Plan.
Understanding Book Bans
A book ban occurs when a book is removed or restricted from schools, libraries, or public institutions because its content is deemed inappropriate, controversial, or offensive. Bans often target books that address race, gender, sexuality, and historical events.
Who Decides What Books Are Banned?
Book bans can originate from various levels of government and societal influence:
· Local Level: School boards, parent groups, and community organizations can challenge books in schools and libraries.
· State Level: Legislators can pass laws restricting specific topics from being taught or included in public collections.
· Federal Influence: Although the U.S. government does not directly ban books, national funding policies can affect their availability.
What Books Are Being Banned?
Some books frequently targeted for bans include:
· Race and History: Maus, The 1619 Project
· LGBTQ+ Themes: Gender Queer, All Boys Aren’t Blue
· Sex Education & Body Autonomy: Books about puberty, reproductive rights, and consent
· Dystopian & Fantasy Novels: 1984, Brave New World, Harry Potter
Federal Level
Congress and National Education Policies: While the federal government does not directly ban books, funding restrictions, such as Title IX interpretations, may influence book availability.
Supreme Court precedents, such as Island Trees School District v. Pico (1982), state that removing books based on ideology is unconstitutional, but enforcement varies.
Consequences of Book Bans for Future Generations
Loss of Critical Thinking & Intellectual Freedom. Book bans limit exposure to diverse perspectives, reducing children's ability to engage in complex discussions and think critically about important social issues.
Erasure of Marginalized Histories & Voices
Many banned books cover race, LGBTQ+ experiences, and historical injustices. Censorship could create a generation with a distorted or incomplete understanding of History. An increase in Censorship and government Control may, over time, normalize book bans, leading to broader censorship that affects journalism, media, and even free speech rights.
Educational Disadvantages
Book bans pose considerable educational disadvantages. Students in areas with restrictive book policies may have fewer learning resources, limiting their ability to compete academically with peers from more open educational environments. Regarding the general public, there could be cultural and artistic suppression, as literature drives cultural progress. Restricting books may stifle creativity, discouraging new voices from writing about important but controversial topics. Moreover, the psychological impact on students impacts young readers from diverse backgrounds, who may feel unseen and invalidated.
Legal & Political Precedents
Book bans impact more than just today's generations—they shape future generations' knowledge, culture, and freedoms. If book bans continue unchecked, they may set a precedent for more widespread content control in schools, media, and entertainment, restricting future generations' access to knowledge. Book bans affect education, free speech, and access to diverse ideas. Families should stay engaged, informed, and proactive in ensuring that our youth have access to literature that represents a full spectrum of human experiences.
The Impact of Censorship on Families
Book bans affect communities in profound ways:
· Restricted Access to Information: Limiting diverse perspectives reduces opportunities for critical thinking.
Increased Censorship: Parents and students have fewer options for educational materials.
· Legal Consequences: Some states impose penalties on teachers and librarians for distributing banned books.
· Cultural and Educational Setbacks: Restricting books can stifle creativity, erase marginalized histories, and hinder academic development.
How Families and Individuals Can Take Action
· Stay Informed: Research local school board policies and track book challenges.
· Advocate for Free Speech: Join organizations like PEN America, ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, or the Nevada Library Association.
· Read Banned Books: Support independent bookstores and libraries that stock challenged books.
· Engage in School Board Meetings: Speak up against censorship policies.
· Support Librarians and Educators: Encourage and support those who fight against book bans in schools and libraries.
· Vote for Intellectual Freedom: Support candidates who defend the right to read.
Local Community Response
After these D.C. actions, the community has responded by raising public awareness, as seen in the work of INDECLINE, a Las Vegas art exhibition and retrospective, and the community outreach project "Vandalism is for Lovers.” This effort debuted on February 7 at Recycled Propaganda and ran through March 29. The show spanned over 20 years of INDECLINE’s guerrilla installations, direct action campaigns, and controversial performance art. Recycled Propaganda 1114 S. Main Street, Suite 120. This program was free and open to the public.
Listed below are organizations committed to keeping the "Free Speech" flame alive and will continue to help people navigate the process of community information, engagement, and advocacy. Their aim is to help audiences understand the importance of information, engagement, and action for individuals and families. Their efforts are to encourage them to join efforts to preserve this valuable right and learn about the various ways one can become involved.
Stewards of the Spoken and Written Word
Las Vegas has a history of supporting literary and artistic expression, with organizations and community members stepping up to defend free speech.
The Asylum Theatre has hosted programs like "Free to Read," a free public reading series that celebrates banned books. This event was held in September 2024 at the Flamingo Clark County Library Theater.
· Independent Bookstores are holding banned book drives to protect access to literature and ensure readers can find books that have been challenged or removed from schools.
INDECLINE, a national activist collective, brought its debut Las Vegas art exhibition, “Vandalism is for Lovers,” to Recycled Propaganda (1114 S. Main St.), showcasing 20 years of guerrilla art and activism that highlighted themes of censorship and free speech.
Podcast: Podcasts and videos on Banned Books
· Banned Book Conversations, Tanya Todd
· Burn This Book: A Banned Books Book Club
· Hosts Nicolle Okoren and Eden Wen discuss banned and challenged books, examining the reasons behind their censorship and the cultural contexts.
· Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
· Velshi Banned Book Club
· MSNBC's Ali Velshi engages with banned book authors, discussing the impact of censorship and the importance of their works.
· Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
· Borrowed and Banned
· Produced by the Brooklyn Public Library, this series explores America's ideological battles over bookshelves and highlights stories from communities facing censorship.
· Listen here: Borrowed and Banned.
· The Banned Books Podcast
· This podcast aims to learn about historical social justice issues through reactions to banned and controversial literature, fostering discussions on free speech.
· Available on Apple Podcasts.
· Banned Book Club
· A podcast that delves into the stories behind banned books, exploring the reasons for their censorship and their relevance today.
· Listen on Apple Podcasts or visit the official website.
· Banned Books Podcast by 1517
· This podcast discusses banned books from a theological perspective, examining the intersection of literature, faith, and censorship. Explore episodes here: Banned Books Podcast by 1517.
· Book Riot, https://bookriot.com
Videos
· YouTube – Guided Reading: Book Bands Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1gVXCh8UVI
· YouTube – Oxford Reading Levels Overview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bz0D6BthZM
· YouTube Playlist – Oxford Level 2 Reading Books
Other Resources
· Librarians and Educators are actively advocating against book bans by providing access to challenged books and participating in community discussions about intellectual freedom.
· Nevada Library Association (NLA) supports librarians and communities in defending access to diverse books and educational materials.
· Local Advocacy Groups, such as parent organizations and grassroots coalitions, are working to support efforts in schools and libraries.
Individuals can support local bookstores, groups, and independent sellers and help keep literature accessible. By taking action, Las Vegas residents can ensure that intellectual freedom remains a cornerstone of education and democracy.
Find More Information by Contacting
· American Library Association (ALA): www.ala.org
· PEN America’s Banned Books Report: www.pen.org
· National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC): www.ncac.org
· Nevada Library Association (NLA): www.nevadalibraries.org
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