The state of Utah recently made headlines for passing one of the most restrictive book banning measures in the country. House Bill 29 allows parents to challenge books they deem as „sensitive material“ and outright bans books from public schools if they have been deemed as „objectively sensitive material“ or „pornographic“ in at least three school districts or two school districts and five charter schools statewide. This law, which went into effect on July 1, applies retroactively, meaning that schools had to submit a list of banned books to the Utah State Board of Education.
On August 2, the Utah State Board of Education released its first official list of books that all public schools in the state are required to remove from their shelves. The list includes popular titles that have been targeted by book banners and groups advocating for „parental rights.“ These groups, such as Utah Parents United and Moms For Liberty, have created book review databases that rate these books as „not for minors“ or „minor restricted.“ Most of the banned books are not new, with an average publication date of 2011, raising questions about the sudden concern over pornography in schools.
The book bans in Utah apply only to public schools, leaving parents with limited options if they disagree with the decision. The bill strips away the argument of „local control,“ as only a few school districts have the power to decide what books are deemed appropriate for the entire state. This move has sparked concerns about the state of public education and the erosion of First Amendment rights.
Utah’s book banning law may set a precedent for similar bills in other states in the upcoming legislative sessions. While some states have put draconian book ban laws on hold, others like Idaho, Tennessee, and South Carolina have passed state-sanctioned book banning laws this year. Organizations like Let Utah Read are urging residents to voice their concerns to legislators and Governor Cox to demand changes to the law.
The release of the banned book list in Utah serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle over censorship and the importance of protecting intellectual freedom. It highlights the need for continued advocacy and activism to ensure that all individuals have access to diverse and challenging ideas. As the debate over book banning continues to unfold, it is crucial for communities to come together to defend the right to read and explore different perspectives.