A debate is raging across the United States as lawmakers in several states seek to limit access to books with LGBTQ themes in schools and public libraries. In Iowa, Republican Governor Kim Reynolds has been pushing a sweeping crackdown on content in school libraries, with the possibility of removing books if they are challenged in any of the state’s 327 districts. This effort has resulted in a divide among parents, with some arguing that sexually explicit material must be removed while others believe that such efforts are being used to censor LGBTQ content.
Many parents and activists fear that this trend of limiting access to books with LGBTQ themes is being used to stifle discussion and to erase the existence of LGBTQ individuals. Transgender man Kris Maul, who is raising a child with his lesbian partner in the Des Moines area, argues that books about all kinds of families and children should be reflected in school library collections. Maul states that those seeking to remove books often take passages out of context and unfairly target books about LGBTQ or racial justice issues.
In Florida, schools have already removed books under a new law that requires the evaluation of reading materials, drawing widespread attention and criticism. Florida’s largest teachers union is challenging the law, arguing its implementation is too broad and leading to unnecessary censorship. In Louisiana, activists fear a push by Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry to investigate sexually explicit materials in public libraries is being used to target and censor LGBTQ content.
The proposed Iowa legislation comes amid efforts to keep a closer eye on public school curriculums and to make taxpayer money available to parents for private school tuition. Governor Reynolds has made such proposals the core of her legislative agenda, telling a conservative parents group that their work is essential to guarding against “indoctrination” by public school educators.
Despite the divisive opinions of parents, Sam Helmick, the president of the Iowa Library Association, has called for communities to have the ability to decide what is in their libraries. Helmick argues that it is important for children to have access to books that address their lives and questions. Limiting access to books with LGBTQ themes could have a chilling effect and make individuals who do not see themselves represented in books feel less welcome and seen.
In conclusion, the ongoing debate over access to books with LGBTQ themes in schools and public libraries has sparked outrage across the United States. While some argue that sexually explicit material should be removed, others fear that such efforts are being used to erase the existence of LGBTQ individuals and to stifle discussion. As lawmakers in several states seek to limit access to these books, parents and activists alike are fighting for diverse book collections that reflect all kinds of families and children.