A resolution expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.
This Senate resolution (SRES 372) expresses concern about the rising trend of book bans in U.S. schools and libraries, citing PEN America data showing nearly 3,400 book removals affecting 1,557 titles from July 2022-June 2023. It specifically highlights disproportionate bans targeting books with LGBTQ+ themes (36%) or content about race/racism (37%), including titles like *The Handmaid’s Tale* and *Maus*. The resolution urges local schools and libraries to follow established guidelines (e.g., from the American Library Association) when addressing book challenges and reaffirms support for First Amendment rights to read and access diverse perspectives. It does not create new laws but formally calls for protecting students’ access to literature reflecting diverse viewpoints.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Sep 2023
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Sep 27, 2023
Last action Sep 27, 2023
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Sep 27, 2023
Committee
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S4724-4725)
upper
Sep 27, 2023
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
1 primary · 20 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Brian Schatz
DDemocratic
Co
Alex Padilla
DDemocratic
Co
Angus S. King, Jr.
IIndependent
Co
Benjamin L. Cardin
DDemocratic
Co
Bernard Sanders
IIndependent
Co
Christopher Murphy
DDemocratic
Co
Cory A. Booker
DDemocratic
Co
Dianne Feinstein
DDemocratic
Co
Edward J. Markey
DDemocratic
Co
Jack Reed
DDemocratic
Co
Jeff Merkley
DDemocratic
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