Restrictions on books in public school libraries and classrooms are becoming so frequent across the United States that they are now considered a routine part of school operations in many areas. A new report from the free speech organization PEN America details this trend, warning that the American public is growing desensitized to the widespread removal of literature from schools.
The report, released on October 1, 2025, tracks book challenges and removals across 45 states, illustrating a significant shift in how these restrictions are implemented. What began as localized efforts has now escalated to include state legislation and federal government actions, fundamentally changing the landscape of educational freedom.
Key Takeaways
- A new PEN America report states that book restrictions in U.S. public schools are now "rampant and common."
- The organization warns of a growing public "numbness" or desensitization to school censorship.
- The trend has evolved from local school board challenges to broad state laws and federal actions.
- State laws, such as those in Florida, have created a "chilling effect," leading to proactive book removals by districts.
- A Department of Defense-run school system removed nearly 600 books in one year, showing federal involvement.
A Shift Toward Normalization
According to PEN America, the sheer volume and consistency of book challenges over the past four years have created a new, troubling standard. School districts in some states now treat the process of reviewing and removing books as a standard administrative task rather than an exceptional event.
This normalization is a central concern for free speech advocates. Kasey Meehan, who directs the Freedom to Read program at PEN America, highlighted the danger of this growing acceptance.
"There’s this numbness we have toward not just book bans, but restrictions on education that are showing up in many ways across our public school system." – Kasey Meehan, PEN America
The report suggests this desensitization makes it easier for restrictions to continue and expand without significant public opposition. What was once a contentious community issue is, in some places, becoming bureaucratic procedure.
What is PEN America?
PEN America is a nonprofit organization founded in 1922 that works to defend and celebrate free expression in the United States and worldwide. It is part of the PEN International network and champions the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. The organization tracks censorship, advocates for writers, and promotes literary culture.
The Evolution of Book Challenges
The methods used to restrict books have evolved significantly. The report outlines a clear progression from grassroots efforts to top-down government mandates, which has accelerated the rate of removals.
From Local Meetings to State Legislation
When PEN America first began tracking this trend, most challenges originated at the local level. National organizations and local parent groups would frequently target specific books at individual school board meetings, creating isolated but intense debates within communities.
However, the strategy has since shifted. States like Florida have passed broad legislation that simplifies the process for challenging and removing books from school libraries. According to PEN America, these laws have had a significant "chilling effect."
Fearing non-compliance and potential penalties, school district officials have begun proactively pulling books from shelves, often without a formal challenge. This self-censorship is a direct result of the vague or sweeping nature of the new state laws.
Frequently Challenged Titles
Among the books most frequently targeted in the 2024-2025 school year were titles that deal with themes of race, sexuality, and social justice. Commonly banned books included "A Court of Mist and Fury" by Sarah J. Maas, "Breathless" by Jennifer Niven, "Last Night at the Telegraph Club" by Malinda Lo, and "Sold" by Patricia McCormick. Even classic literature like "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess has faced removal.
Federal Government Involvement
The report also identifies a more recent development: the involvement of the federal government in determining which books are appropriate for students. This marks a significant expansion of the issue beyond local and state jurisdictions.
Following executive orders related to education issued by President Trump, a school system for military families operated by the Department of Defense (DoD) took action. According to PEN America's findings, this federal school system removed nearly 600 books from its libraries this year alone.
This move is particularly noteworthy because it represents a centralized, top-down restriction affecting students across multiple locations who are part of military families. It demonstrates that the pressure to restrict reading materials now exists at every level of government.
The Broader Impact on Education
Advocates argue that the consequences of these restrictions extend beyond the loss of specific books. They contend that the practice limits students' ability to see themselves reflected in literature, encounter diverse perspectives, and develop critical thinking skills.
The report's authors emphasize that the current environment creates uncertainty for educators and librarians, who may avoid acquiring potentially controversial books to prevent challenges. This can lead to school library collections that are less diverse and less representative of the complex world students will enter.
PEN America's report concludes with a warning that if the trend of routine book restrictions continues, it could permanently alter the role of public schools in fostering open inquiry and intellectual freedom. The organization calls for renewed public awareness and defense of the right to read freely in schools.