rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/pass-the-resolution-to-stop-book-bans?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-pass-the-resolution-to-stop-book-bans' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> National Campaign for Justice https://actionnetwork.org/groups/just-strategy https://actionnetwork.org//images/generic_facebook.jpg As book bans have surged by a staggering 33% within just a year[1], the lack of response from Congress has been deafening. The essence of democracy, which flourishes on the free exchange of ideas, is being brutally assaulted with each book yanked off a shelf and yet, few in Congress have spoken up against it -- even fewer have lifted a finger to make a difference. An astounding 37% of banned or restricted books discuss race or feature characters of color, while 36% have LGBTQ+ characters or themes. In a blatant display of rash decisions driven by extremist agendas rather than careful consideration for what the American people want, a shocking 96% of the 2,532 bans specifically from public school libraries last year skipped the proper review process by a committee of educators and librarians. Even classic literature, books that have shaped minds for decades are under fire. Works like Brave New World, The Handmaid’s Tale, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation are being yanked off shelves. NPR reports, the majority of Americans, including the majority of Republicans, are against lawmakers banning books.[2] The public sentiment is clear, diverse narratives, irrespective of their alignment with personal ideologies, have a place in our educational institutions. In fact, just three right-wing funded groups dominate the drive for book bans nationwide: Moms for Liberty, CDF (Citizens Defending Freedom), and PRE (Parents’ Rights in Education). There is no irony in the fact the names for these groups could have come straight from Owells’ 1984 -- a regular target of book bans -- when these fanatical extremist groups push to limit liberty, freedom and the rights of the majority of parents. As they vehemently push their intolerant views, targeting books that give voice to people of color and the LGBTQ+ community, we must push Congress to take action against this tide of ignorance and prejudice. Senator Brian Schatz and Representative Jamie Raskin have introduced a resolution to stop book bans and defend the right to read. Critically, it affirms the rights afforded public schools and libraries to protect students, parents, and teachers from the right-wing funded fanatical extremists pedaling hate. This is our chance to get every member of Congress on record in this fight. Click ‘START WRITING’ to sign and send a direct message demanding your members of Congress co-sponsor and pass the resolution to stop book bans and defend the right to read now. [1] Banned in the USA: The Mounting Pressure to Censor [2] Poll: Americans say teachers are underpaid, about half of Republicans oppose book bans https://actionnetwork.org/letters/pass-the-resolution-to-stop-book-bans