A resolution expressing concern about the growing problem of book banning, and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

This resolution expresses significant concern regarding the growing issue of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression throughout the United States. It reaffirms the nation's commitment to supporting the freedom of expression protected by the First Amendment and the fundamental right of all individuals to read books free from government censorship. The resolution emphasizes that the unimpeded exchange of ideas and the freedom to read are essential for a strong democracy. Citing Supreme Court precedents like Tinker v. Des Moines and Board of Education v. Pico , the resolution underscores that students retain constitutional rights to free speech and that schools cannot remove library books based on "narrowly partisan or political grounds." It highlights data from PEN America, identifying thousands of instances of book bans between July 2024 and June 2025, disproportionately targeting works by and about marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ characters and themes of race or racism. These bans often occur without following established best practice guidelines. The resolution details the multifaceted, harmful consequences of book bans on various stakeholders, including students, educators, librarians, authors, parents, and community members. It notes that State legislation has led to nearly 23,000 book bans since 2021, with specific states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee experiencing thousands of restrictions. Furthermore, it points to federal Executive Orders that have resulted in the removal of books from Department of Defense schools and military academies, impacting access to diverse literature. To address these concerns, the resolution calls on local governments and school districts to adhere to best practice guidelines when handling book challenges. It urges them to protect students' rights to learn and educators' ability to teach by providing a wide array of books reflecting diverse viewpoints and perspectives. Finally, it demands the return of all books removed from Department of Defense schools and libraries under recent Executive Orders and calls for the repeal of directives that impose content-based restrictions on reading and learning.