Report Reveals Sharp Rise in Book Bans Targeting Marginalized Communities

PEN America finds over 10,000 book bans in 2023–2024 school year, disproportionately affecting works featuring people of color and LGBTQ+ themes.

PEN America's analysis documented 10,046 book bans in U.S. public schools during the 2023–2024 school year, a 200% increase from the previous year.
Of the 4,218 unique titles banned, 36% featured characters or people of color, and 25% included LGBTQ+ characters or themes, with transgender and genderqueer representation particularly targeted.
Books addressing race, racism, social movements, and activism were among the most frequently banned, with 44% of banned nonfiction titles featuring people of color.
Claims that banned books contain explicit sexual content were found to be exaggerated, with only 13% of banned titles including detailed depictions of sexual experiences.
Advocates warn that the bans disproportionately harm marginalized communities and restrict students' access to diverse perspectives and experiences.