Bill > SRes857

This Resolution expresses concern about the increasing issue of book banning and threats to freedom of expression across the United States, highlighting that a large majority of Americans oppose book bans and support educators teaching about diverse histories and experiences. It references Supreme Court rulings like *Tinker v. Des Moines* and *Island Trees v. Pico*, which affirm students' rights to free speech and prevent schools from removing books for partisan reasons, and also points to the First Amendment and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as protections for freedom of expression and the right to access information. The resolution notes a significant rise in book bans, with organizations like PEN America documenting thousands of instances affecting numerous titles and authors, often without following established guidelines from groups like the American Library Association. It emphasizes that the free exchange of ideas and the freedom to read are vital for democracy, and that suppressing literature is a tactic used by authoritarian regimes. The resolution details the harmful consequences of book bans on students, educators, librarians, authors, parents, and communities, noting that books by and about marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color, are disproportionately targeted, as are books addressing sensitive topics like death and mental illness. It concludes by supporting "Banned Books Week," reaffirming the U.S. commitment to freedom of expression and the right to read without government censorship, and urging local governments and school districts to adhere to best practices when handling book challenges, thereby protecting students' rights to learn and educators' ability to teach with a wide range of diverse viewpoints.