Book Censorship in the U.S.
The danger of increased book censorship since 2021.
The danger of increased book censorship since 2021.
It was Banned Books Week of October 2023 when I began hearing more about the fierce culture war between school libraries and parent "advocacy" groups. The maddening wave of book censorship in schools across the U.S. cut me to the core, and I was propelled to research this injustice.
Sourcing data from Dr. Tasslyn Magnusson’s Book Censorship Database, I created data visualizations exploring this sharp increase in book banning from 2021 to 2023. I used R to analyze the data, and created the graphic elements using Flourish and Adobe Illustrator.
Since 2021, the number of banned books in schools and public libraries has increased 13 times, and the list of books getting challenged has tripled. Florida and Texas stand out as the most active censorship states. The data is incomplete, and many cases are difficult to track or remain unresolved.
This project allowed me to practice implementing information design principles and visual hierarchy. It also helped me practice iterative ideation and editing.
Data Visualization by Aura Walmer, 2024.
Data Source: Book Censorship Database by Dr. Tasslyn Magnusson.
Why is book censorship on the rise?
While books have historically been challenged by individuals, more recent waves of book banning have been driven by organized group efforts. An article from the New York Times points out that parents’ rights groups formed during the pandemic to challenge COVID-19 restrictions, and these efforts extended to additional topics, including “what material students were exposed to in schools.”
In a recent report on book censorship, PEN America highlighted the role of parent- and community-led "advocacy" groups in influencing "public anxiety regarding the types of books students can access in classrooms and school libraries." Many of these groups have broad reach, with chapters on national, state, and local levels. Some especially influential groups pushing for book bans include Moms for Liberty, Citizens Defending Freedom, and Parents’ Rights in Education.
In a recent report on book censorship, PEN America highlighted the role of parent- and community-led "advocacy" groups in influencing "public anxiety regarding the types of books students can access in classrooms and school libraries." Many of these groups have broad reach, with chapters on national, state, and local levels. Some especially influential groups pushing for book bans include Moms for Liberty, Citizens Defending Freedom, and Parents’ Rights in Education.
These groups have a shared agenda, jarring rhetoric, and unyielding operations to submit book challenges. This has incited a larger flare ups of book censorship than seen in previous years. PEN America identified a strong positive correlation between school districts with book bans instances and school districts where advocacy group chapters were established nearby (81%). The impact of organized advocacy groups in defining the current censorship trend is undeniable, and truly worrisome.
Where are these book challenges occurring?
The data visualization below gives an interactive look at book challenge outcomes by U.S. county from 2021 to 2023. Notice the increase in banned and unresolved books.
Click the triangular "play" ▶ button to see the change.
Click the triangular "play" ▶ button to see the change.
Here's another way to see book challenge outcomes by state.
The data visualization below shows the frequency of book challenges by outcome for each state. It's a clear way to see which states are the highest contributors for each outcome category. Florida is the most dangerous player when it comes to book banning.
Categories include: banned, overturned, unresolved, unrelated removal, and unknown.