Book bans are escalating

Don't let far-right extremists rob our students of the opportunity to explore the world through the power of literature. [Democracy for America Advocacy Fund](#) {NAME}, In 2023, states like Texas, Florida, Missouri, Utah, and South Carolina led an unprecedented wave of book bans targeting literature that dared to challenge, educate, and reflect diverse perspectives. This assault on knowledge disproportionately aimed to silence the voices of people of color and the LGBTQ+ community, and we must not stand for it. The numbers are staggering: 30% of banned books in the first half of the 2022-23 school year were related to race or featured characters of color, while over half of those banned in 2023 focused on LGBTQ+ issues. This is not a coincidence, it is a calculated effort by far-right extremists to suppress access to a wide range of ideas and experiences. By wielding misleading rhetoric and baseless accusations of "pornographic" or "indecent" content, these hateful groups are waging a war on marginalized communities and the very notion of intellectual freedom. [We cannot allow this attack on our fundamental rights to continue unchallenged. Sign on right now to lend your voice to the fight against book bans.]( //click.actionnetwork.org/ss/c/u001.qUXRBnqZ7T8nxbpAcIVwoUsWLkUMWlo_0JmZttSlm3_LUzuMAz9r26VR9g2wzlDW8K7eOZI4qm0XkPp68yleDBucwdcguKWsIA8Tgt9M0zhiWPirkg0K7DERpwQwLFtomn4IZ-mNnP1p3-wmJqZhIsP1u68TaQx4ufA5TS7SCI76yPsTj6o-YBoQUv1DK2ei7hGEocaB2M4DwtM79IH4_IX_BxajDEC86NF9y4vyu4t2Bnxud0yPYO8KxKv0DFIerdqZyW6H4jFDTBUbJkAEo8zsMkJfsKAtC7fuaMRUKXjM8bRoG1W-PfSLFt5zyj7vw6QNaG0IfrzxomrwISEnvXKM-aBt_FxDS5WRkOIhboj5-CNExQevSDC2ccsYDSfLDP_CcDK1_nN_aZZz045zeTtm6GZqNdDf-9O4lNX_yU9aQrcmx0RQvNUrrt2AZmAVJi2V2L9b_mCMfX0Vl2PSCnf9c9AdxzewrkFs4D-XFy0/463/jbx__2RCTMSTalNYNrg2mA/h2/h001.AvxkMabJjJAoUC-R-RMbRjQeNB-HjV68aVYBOHmwscM [ADD YOUR NAME]( The ramifications of this censorship epidemic extend far beyond individual titles. It is an orchestrated campaign to erase diversity, stifle critical thinking, and deny students the opportunity to engage with crucial social issues such as violence, abuse, health, and well-being. The fear mongering tactics, backed by legal threats and penalties, have created a climate of self-censorship, where educators and librarians are forced to remove valuable literature from their shelves, and they face severe consequences. We cannot allow this attack on our fundamental rights to continue unchallenged. The fight against book bans is about defending individual titles and upholding a comprehensive and inclusive education. Denying students access to diverse literature will rob them of the chance to develop empathy, understanding, and critical thinking skills that are essential for navigating an increasingly complex world. [We cannot sit by as this campaign seeks to erase the voices of the marginalized and suppress the free exchange of ideas. Sign the petition: Stop book bans!]( Together, we can push back against the forces of bigotry and ignorance. - Amanda Amanda Ford, Director Democracy for America Advocacy Fund [Power This Campaign]( Democracy for America Advocacy Fund is a 501c4 organization. Contributions to the Democracy for America Advocacy Fund are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Our mailing address is: PO Box 8521, Essex Junction VT 05451 Sent via [ActionNetwork.org](. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Democracy for America Advocacy Fund, please [click here](.