PEN America reported nearly 12,000 book bans in U.S. public schools over the past year, the highest annual total since the free-expression organization began tracking removals five years ago.
Its “Banned in the USA” report recorded 11,982 instances involving 7,370 individual works. Challenges frequently focused on themes involving race, racism, sexuality and gender identity.
The report was released during Banned Books Week, when schools and libraries hold events highlighting debates over censorship and access to literature. PEN America’s methodology differs from that of the American Library Association, which counts only books permanently removed from shelves.
The ALA reported about 5,600 such instances in April. The differing methodologies result in significantly different totals for book removals.
Related Tweet:
PEN America: Nearly 12,000 school book bans in a year, a record high https://t.co/gHrjjisj0J
— O.C. Register (@ocregister) October 5, 2026
Also Read:
TIPP Staff
