Education Department Ends Book Ban Investigations and Coordinator Role

The Trump administration dismisses complaints on book removals, citing local control and parental discretion over education materials.

The Department of Education has dismissed 11 complaints alleging book removals created a hostile environment for students, deeming them meritless.
The Biden-era 'book ban coordinator' position, established to address book bans and their civil rights implications, has been eliminated.
The department argues that local school districts and parents have the right to evaluate and remove age-inappropriate or explicit materials from schools.
Advocacy groups like PEN America and the ALA express concern over rising book restrictions, noting frequent targeting of works by authors of color, LGBTQ+ writers, and women.
Officials state the decision reflects a commitment to restoring local control in public education and reducing federal intervention in school district decisions.