In response to the alarming rise in book bans across the United States, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) has introduced the Books Save Lives Act, a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at preserving inclusive learning environments and countering the harmful effects of book bans. The unveiling of this critical bill comes after the 2022-2023 school year witnessed over 3,000 instances of book bans in 33 states, marking a troubling 33% increase from the previous year. These bans disproportionately target books on race, racism, and LGBTQ+ characters.

In a passionate floor speech, Rep. Pressley stated, “Rather than honor the brilliance and diversity of our authors, illustrators, and librarians, Republicans are focused on further marginalizing people who already face systemic discrimination in our society – including people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, religious minorities, and people with disabilities – through discriminatory book bans.”

She stated that the Books Save Lives Act will push back on this dangerous trend and reaffirms the need for representative literature by ensuring libraries nationwide maintain a diverse collection of books and classifying book bans as violations of federal civil rights laws. “Every reader deserves to see themselves reflected in our literature – and our bill would help make that a reality for all. I am grateful to our partners in crafting this legislation, and I urge Congress to pass my bill without delay,” she added.

The Books Save Lives Act: what is it?

The Books Save Lives Act comprises a comprehensive set of measures to combat the surge in book bans and promote an inclusive learning environment for all students. Key provisions of the legislation include:

1. Ensuring primary and secondary schools have a library with a trained librarian.
2. Requiring public libraries and school libraries to maintain a diverse collection of books.
3. Classifying discriminatory book bans as violations of federal civil rights laws.
4. Directing the Government Accountability Office to report on the effect of book bans on underrepresented communities.

This critical legislation has garnered significant support from lawmakers, with co-sponsors including Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), and many others.

Broad support and endorsements for legislative action

The Books Save Lives Act has received endorsements from prominent organisations such as We Need Diverse Books, PFLAG National, Florida Freedom to Read Project, and Color Of Change.

Maia Kobabe, author of “Gender Queer“, expressed their support for the bill, saying, “As a student, the library was my second home. I discovered stories that opened up my world and my understanding of myself on the library shelves. I support the Books Save Lives Act because I want future young people to see themselves and their world reflected fully and accurately in their libraries.”

Caroline Richmond, representing We Need Diverse Books, emphasised the importance of the legislation: “When these kids cannot see themselves in the books that they read, they learn the powerful lesson that their stories and their lives don’t matter. We must not only protect the freedom to read, we must also protect the children who need diverse stories the most—because we know that books save lives.”

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While, Brian K. Bond, CEO of PFLAG National, stated, “Banning books and education is an organized and funded effort that the Books Save Lives Act will put in check. PFLAG National is proud to endorse the Books Save Lives Act because every person deserves the joy that comes when you can find, learn, and be inspired by books about all kinds of topics and people.”

Stephanie Ferrell of Florida Freedom to Read Project added her organisation’s support, saying, “Florida Freedom to Read Project is proud to support this bill which will ensure that the expert curation of our libraries is inclusive of all the communities they serve. All Americans deserve the opportunity to see their lives reflected on the shelf and know that they are welcome here.”

The Books Save Lives Act stands as a crucial piece of legislation that seeks to protect the diversity of voices and ideas in literature while safeguarding the educational experiences of students across the nation. The bill represents a resounding call to ensure that future generations have access to a variety of literature that reflects the multifaceted nature of our society.