UPDATE: A shocking new report reveals that Stephen King is the most banned author in U.S. schools, amidst an alarming rise in censorship efforts. The report from PEN America, titled “Banned in the USA,” was released on September 27, 2023, and tracks over 6,800 instances of books being removed or restricted for the 2024-2025 school year.
This marks a significant decline from the previous year’s total of more than 10,000 bans, but the figures remain disturbingly high. The report indicates that 80 percent of these bans originated from just three states: Florida, Texas, and Tennessee.
Why This Matters NOW: The findings underscore a growing divide in the U.S., where states are either enacting strict policies against certain literature or fighting to protect access to diverse voices. “It is increasingly a story of two countries,” states Kasey Meehan, director of PEN’s Freedom to Read program. This division is not merely ideological; it reflects a complex landscape where even within states like Florida, school districts vary in their responses to book bans.
King’s works have been censored a staggering 206 times, with titles like Carrie and The Stand being among the most targeted. In a notable trend, the most banned book overall is Anthony Burgess’ classic A Clockwork Orange, facing 23 removals. Other notable authors like Judy Blume and Jennifer Niven also see their works facing extensive restrictions.
Most book bans are justified by concerns over LGBTQ+ themes, depictions of race, and violence. Alarmingly, the report notes an increase in preemptive censorship, where books are removed to avoid potential community backlash, a practice described as “obeying in advance.”
The urgency of the situation is amplified by actions from the federal government, with the Department of Education recently terminating a Biden administration initiative aimed at investigating the legality of book bans, labeling the entire issue as a “hoax.” Additionally, the Department of Defense has removed hundreds of books from military family libraries as part of a broader campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
In states like Florida, where more than 2,000 books have been banned, many of King’s titles were pulled during compliance reviews with state laws. “Some districts sweep so wide in their removals that they inadvertently include Stephen King,” Meehan explains.
PEN’s methodology sets it apart from the American Library Association, which reports only permanent bans. PEN counts any books removed or restricted, meaning its numbers are likely much higher and the full extent of the crisis remains obscured.
Next Steps: As censorship efforts continue to evolve, advocates stress the importance of vigilance in protecting literary freedoms. The ongoing political climate suggests that the trend of book bans will not only persist but may escalate, making it crucial for communities to engage in dialogue about the implications of such restrictions.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the fight for freedom of expression in literature intensifies across the nation.
