Conservative Censorship is Threatening Intellectual Freedom in America

From book burning to social media bans, Republicans are ushering in a new age of censorship.

In 1933, the Nazis burned books deemed “un-German” in a public display of censorship that marked the beginning of their oppressive regime. Almost ninety years later, we face similar movements in Texas and across America. From banning so-called Critical Race Theory in schools to removing books from library shelves, censorship is again rearing its ugly head. While the methods have changed, the danger remains the same.

Jared Patterson’s READER Act seeks to prevent the inclusion of “sexually explicit material” in public school libraries. However, a list of over 800 books by Matt Krause suggests that the act targets books about LGBTQ and Black civil rights rather than sexually explicit material. Many of the books on the list are considered important works of literature dealing with social justice issues, such as Duchess Harris’ “Race and Policing in Modern America” and Ibram X. Kendi’s “Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America.”

Here is the complete hearing on Patterson’s book-burning bill:

The hearing on book banning brought out a parade of prudish moms who expressed concern over sexually explicit material in books. One mom went as far as to express worry that her child would contract a sexually transmitted disease from "dirty books." The complaints centered mainly on scenes these moms deemed inappropriate for young readers. However, this hearing and the book restrictions it supported represent an effort to enshrine the values of one particular group of parents - white conservatives - over the priorities and experiences of an increasingly diverse society.

Some moms who spoke out against certain books seemed to be referencing book exerts appropriate for high school students but framed it in the context of young children. This tactic allowed them to use these books to justify their censorship campaign.

The mom’s scare tactics were used to incite fear and rally support for their cause, framing their efforts as necessary to protect children from harm. However, conflating materials meant for older readers with those meant for younger audiences distorted the nature of the books, misleading other parents, lawmakers, and anyone listening.

Book-banning efforts in Texas are part of a much larger movement.

Book bans have been put in place in 32 total states, with Texas leading the way. Last week, in Congress, House Republicans narrowly passed legislation that will increase literature bans, restrict transgender students, and cause chaos in school board meetings. This bill will undermine local control and educator autonomy—while doing nothing to promote genuine, constructive parent involvement in schools.

It won’t pass the Senate, and Biden will never sign it, but it’s essential to recognize the dangerous implications of such legislation. When we limit access to information and suppress dissenting voices, we erode the very foundations of democracy.

Our public schools are supposed to be places where young people learn to think critically, engage with diverse perspectives, and develop their ideas and opinions. Unfortunately, censorship threatens all of these goals. We all have the right to access diverse and challenging ideas, even those that make us uncomfortable or challenge our assumptions. This is the only way we can create a society that values intellectual freedom and respects the dignity and worth of every individual.

The current efforts to ban books closely resemble the actions depicted in Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451.” In the novel, firefighters are tasked with burning books that challenge the dominant ideology and threaten the established order. Similarly, today's censorship efforts aim to suppress ideas that challenge the status quo and threaten the power of those in control. The consequences of such actions are dire, as they limit our ability to learn, grow, and evolve as a society. When we censor voices and restrict access to information, we rob ourselves of engaging in meaningful dialogue and learning from diverse perspectives. The result is a society that is stagnant, closed-minded, and ill-equipped to confront the challenges of the future.

Banning books is only the tip of the iceberg.

Undoubtedly, you’ve seen the fuss over the hearing Congress had with the CEO of TikTok. A ban on TikTok would violate the First Amendment. In addition, the ACLU stated that blocking access to entire platforms would cut off the flow of information, art, and communication that social media provides, interfering with communities and connections users have with each other and with people around the world.

A bill in Texas, "An Act Relating to Prohibiting Use of Social Media Platforms by Children," also from Jared Patterson, prohibits individuals between the ages of 13 and 18 from using social media platforms. While Patterson claims the bill aims to protect children's privacy, it is another case of censorship and violation of First Amendment rights.

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the freedom of speech, religion, and the press, among other things. While some may argue that minors do not have the same rights as adults under the First Amendment, the Supreme Court has consistently held that children do. In Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, SCOTUS held that students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." Similarly, in Board of Education v. Pico, the Court held that students could receive information and ideas, even if the school board disagreed. While there are some limitations for minors, such as restrictions on obscenity and indecency, children generally have some protection under the Constitution.

It isn’t only children Conservatives are targeting for censorship.

HB 2691 by Steve Toth seeks to ban all Texas citizens from accessing certain websites related to abortion procedures and medication. This is what the dictators do in countries like China, North Korea, and Iran.

As book-banning and social media censorship become more widespread, it will have a significant impact on freedom of speech and access to diverse perspectives, preventing people from accessing information that is essential to making informed decisions. In the long term, this could have severe implications for education, democracy, and society as a whole.

Democracy relies on an informed and engaged citizenry that can debate and discuss issues openly. Censorship will prevent citizens from accessing important information and limit their ability to participate in the political process.

If you're concerned about the threat to free speech, it's time to take action. There are a number of ways you can get involved and make a difference, even if you're not sure where to start. Consider joining a grassroots organization that's dedicated to protecting free speech and promoting diversity of thought. Attend town hall meetings and legislative hearings to make your voice heard, and urge your elected representatives to stand up for these fundamental principles. And if you're particularly passionate about these issues, consider running for office yourself, to help shape policies that promote free expression and support a vibrant, inclusive society. The future of our democracy depends on the active engagement of concerned citizens, so don't wait to get involved.