PEN America Reports Surge in Nonfiction Book Bans in U.S. Schools
PEN America has released a report highlighting a significant increase in the banning of nonfiction books in U.S. public schools during the 2024-2025 school year. The report, titled 'Facts and Fiction: Stories Stripped Away by Book Bans,' identifies 3,743 unique titles that were removed from school classrooms and libraries. The banned books often feature diverse representations, including works by or about BIPOC individuals and LGBTQ+ themes. The report suggests that this trend reflects a broader anti-intellectual movement and skepticism towards experts, mirroring political attacks on facts and knowledge. The most commonly banned nonfiction topics include activism, social movements, non-sexual violence, death and grief, and empowerment and self-esteem. 
