Just Say No to Information Restrictions and Book Bans

Unrestricted access to information is essential for maintaining a free and democratic society. Book bans and other restrictions not only undermine fundamental rights such as freedom of expression but also inhibit intellectual growth, cultural enrichment, and creative expression. Restrictions and bans contribute to a less free, less informed, and less open society. These actions have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond mere suppression of information.

The devil’s in the details. During the 2022-2023 school year, PEN America counted school book bans and found?3,362?bans affecting 1,557 unique titles. In September 2023, Deborah Caldwell-Stone, the director of the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom told the New York Times, “A year, a year and a half ago, we were told that these books didn’t belong in school libraries, and if people wanted to read them, they could go to a public library. Now, we’re seeing those same groups come to public libraries and come after the same books, essentially depriving everyone of the ability to make the choice to read them.”

Why Challenge Bans and Defend Access

Anyone who values liberty in its truest form must vigorously challenge book banning efforts and staunchly defend unrestricted access to information. Allow me to spell out why:

1.??? Transparency and Accountability: Access to information allows citizens to hold their governments, institutions, and leaders accountable for their actions. When information is freely available, it becomes more difficult for those in power to hide corruption, misconduct, or incompetence.

2.??? Informed Decision-Making: A well-informed populace is essential for making educated decisions, whether in elections, public policy debates, or personal matters. Access to a wide range of information ensures that individuals have the knowledge necessary to participate meaningfully in society and make choices that align with their values and interests.

3.??? Encouragement of Innovation and Progress: Unrestricted access to information fosters innovation and progress by allowing individuals to build upon existing knowledge and ideas. When people have access to diverse sources of information, they can explore new concepts, challenge prevailing beliefs, and develop groundbreaking solutions to societal challenges.

4.??? Protection of Rights and Freedoms: Access to information is fundamental to the protection of individual rights and freedoms. It enables individuals to educate themselves about their rights, advocate for their interests, and resist attempts to curtail their freedoms. Without access to information, citizens may be more susceptible to manipulation and coercion by those in power.

5.??? Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion: Unrestricted access to information promotes diversity and inclusion by providing a platform for marginalized voices to be heard. It allows for the dissemination of diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas, enriching public discourse and challenging prevailing narratives that may perpetuate inequality or discrimination.

6.??? Cultural Enrichment: Access to a wide range of cultural, artistic, and intellectual content enriches society by exposing individuals to diverse cultural traditions, perspectives, and creative expressions. It fosters cultural exchange, understanding, and appreciation, contributing to the enrichment of society as a whole.

What You Can Do

If you’re thinking, “So, what?” please disconnect with me. I readily welcome opinions contrary to my own, but not on this. On the other hand, if you’re wondering what you can do to make a difference, educate yourself and explore these resources:

• Unite Against Book Bans: This organization’s website is chock full of free resources such as a guide to attending library and school board meetings, action toolkits, book resumes, and much more.
• Read Banned Books: Access banned books for free from anywhere courtesy of the Digital Public Library of America and the Palace Project.
• Use Your Local Public Library: When the need for local libraries and their funding fall under the microscope, usage data is the first measurement to be scrutinized. By getting a library card and actively using your public library, you’re testifying to its significance. National Library Week is April 7-13 this year, a perfect time to take action!
• Report Censorship: Be an anonymous set of eyes and ears and report instances of censorship to the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom.

?The negative effects of restricting access to information and banning books are far-reaching and profound. They not only undermine fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and access to information but also inhibit intellectual growth, education, cultural enrichment, and creative expression. Be a guardian of knowledge and champion of freedom. Actively resist censorship in all its forms and uphold the principles of openness, diversity, and free expression. Only then can we truly realize the potential of an informed and enlightened society.