In a historic move, Illinois has become the first state to pass legislation prohibiting the banning of books in public libraries. This practice has been on the rise across the United States, particularly targeting materials dealing with race, history, and LGBTQ topics. Governor J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, signed the groundbreaking measure into law, emphasizing the state’s commitment to embracing truth and fostering critical thinking among its youth.
Under the newly enacted law, Illinois public libraries will only be eligible for state grants if they adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights. This bill asserts that materials should not be censored or removed due to partisan or doctrinal disapproval. By aligning with these principles, Illinois aims to protect intellectual freedom and ensure that diverse perspectives are accessible to all.
The push to ban books in schools and libraries has gained momentum, particularly during the 2021-2022 academic year, with issues such as transgender rights and critical race theory becoming contentious topics. Conservative-dominated states like Florida and Texas have witnessed fervent attempts to remove more than 1,600 titles, according to PEN America, an advocacy group focused on freedom of expression.
Within Illinois alone, the American Library Association recorded 67 book banning attempts in 2022. A majority of the targeted books were either written by or about LGBTQ individuals or people of color. Advocates for restrictions claim that some materials are sexually explicit and argue for increased parental control over their children’s reading materials.
However, proponents of Illinois’ new law believe that decisions regarding library collections should rest with professional librarians, not extremist politicians. Democratic State Representative Anne Stava-Murray, a supporter of the legislation, asserts that Illinois is moving in a progressive direction, prioritizing inclusivity over prejudice and divisive ideologies.
Instances of banned books have included “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe and works by Nobel laureate Toni Morrison, whose writings explore African-American history. Earlier this year, a school in Miami-Dade County removed a book featuring a poem recited by young Black poet Amanda Gorman at President Joe Biden’s inauguration. Titled “The Hill We Climb”, the poem offers a hopeful vision for a deeply divided country.
Illinois’ groundbreaking legislation serves as a beacon of hope for those advocating for intellectual freedom, critical thinking, and inclusion in public libraries across the United States. By embracing diverse perspectives and safeguarding access to information, the state sets an example for others to follow in nurturing a more inclusive and educated society.