Trump Administration Ends Federal Investigations Into Book Bans, Calling Them a 'Hoax'

The Department of Education has dismissed complaints and eliminated the book ban coordinator role, drawing criticism from free speech advocates and civil rights groups.

• The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights dropped 11 complaints related to book bans and rescinded guidance on investigating school districts removing books.
• Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor labeled book bans a 'hoax' and defended parents’ rights to oversee their children's education.
• Free speech organizations, including PEN America and the American Library Association, condemned the decision, citing thousands of documented book bans targeting LGBTQ+ and racial themes.
• The book ban coordinator position, established under the Biden administration, was eliminated as part of the policy reversal.
• Advocacy groups argue that book bans constitute censorship and disproportionately impact marginalized communities, while conservative groups praised the move as a victory for parental rights.

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