In the latest censorship news, President Joe Biden mentioned fighting book banning in his first campaign video for the 2024 election, a Navy veteran speaks out in Florida, PEN America releases an interactive map of state school library bans, and more. 

Book Bans are Getting Everyone's Attention—Including the President's | NPR
President Joe Biden cited attempts to ban books in his video announcing his run for re-election.

North Dakota Senate Overrides Book Ban Bill Veto; Governor OKs Restrictions for Children's Collections | The Bismarck Tribune
The bills target "explicit sexual material." Supporters say the bills protect children from pornography. Opponents say they are censorship.

Katy (TX) ISD Board Candidates Share their Thoughts on Book Bans amid New Report |KHOU-11
According to a PEN America report, 438 books were banned in Texas in the first six months of the school year.

Alabama Education Leader Resigns Over Pre-K Educator Book Ban | WSFA12
The Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education secretary resigned after the governor banned a pre-K teacher resource book, Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs, from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

ACLU Says Removal of 14 Books from Spotsylvania School Libraries is 'Unconstitutional' | The Free-Lance Star
The ACLU of Virginia sent a letter to the district’s school board calling the superintendent’s decision to remove the titles unconstitutional.

How Many Book Bans Were Attempted in Your State? | PBS NewsHour
Check the map to see where your state stands.

Missouri Librarian Calls on Libraries ‘To Make a Stand’ Against State Censorship and Budget Cuts | NPR
Joe Kohlburn, of the Missouri Library Association, said many librarians are afraid they may face criminal charges or accusations they are  “grooming” children, but he believes that more need to publicly oppose the political efforts to change how libraries function.

Volusia County to Review Public Library Policies with Some Eyeing Book Restrictions | WFTV 
The Florida county council members took the first step toward possible policy change that could give the council power to monitor children’s books in the public library system and remove or restrict titles.

Former Navy Commander's Strong Message for Florida on What a Book Ban Means | YouTube
Watch a veteran and parent warn about fascism and the impact of book bans.

Librarians Come to Texas Capitol for 'Read-In' to Protest Banning Books | Spectrum News1
Texas educators sat in the Capitol building and read books that have been challenged or removed from school libraries in a silent protest of the movement to ban books.