beige colored arm and hand reaching for a library book on a shelf
News

Biden to Announce Anti-Book Ban Coordinator

The Biden Administration announced it will be appointing a new anti-book ban coordinator to address the rise in censorship across the country.

Community

Contributor

Book Riot Editorial is made up of passionate readers, writers, and book lovers dedicated to delivering insightful book recommendations, literary analysis, and the latest in book culture. With expertise spanning multiple genres and a deep understanding of the publishing industry, we offer thoughtful commentary, book deals, and news that matters to readers. Whether it’s uncovering hidden gems, analyzing literary trends, or championing diverse voices, Book Riot’s editorial team is here to keep you informed and inspired.

View All posts by Community

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a list of actions it will take to better protect LGBTQ+ Americans. Among them was a plan to address the rise in books bans, which disproportionately target queer and BIPOC- centered books.

An anti-book ban coordinator will be appointed by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights on the grounds that book bans can be in violation of federal rights, as they can lead to the “stigma and isolation that LGBTQI+ people and other communities face.”

Neera Tanden, the current administration’s domestic policy adviser, said, “In too many parts of our country, LGBTQ Americans are being targeted for who they are, and that, simply put, is discrimination.”

The new coordinator will work with schools and facilitate trainings on how discriminatory book bans can create hostile learning environments.

To read the latest on the rise of book bans and censorship, visit our Censorship page.

Find more news and stories of interest from the book world in Breaking in Books.

More breaking news here