PEN America documented 6,870 instances of book bans in U.S. public schools in the 2024-2025 school year across 23 states and 87 public school districts. Since 2021, we have documented 22,810 instances of book bans in public schools.

PEN America has been at the forefront of documenting and defending against the unprecedented school book bans spike since 2021, and the spread of educational censorship targeting subjects in K-12 public schools and colleges. This latest report offers a window into the complex and extensive climate of censorship between July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Our reporting on book bans remains a bellwether of a larger campaign to restrict and control education and public narratives, wreaking havoc on our public schools and democracy. 

Media interested in scheduling interviews can contact Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], (201) 247-5057

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Resources

• Our Research: Banned in the USA Reports 
• All School Book Ban Indexes (since 2021)
• Best Banned Picture Books
• Why are Schools Banning Books about Protest and Dissent?
• Art, History Books Out of Reach Due to Bans
• Why Ban Books About Cats and Dogs?
• School Book Ban FAQ
• Take Action Against Book Bans 
• Book Ban Resources

Defining Book Bans

PEN America collects three types of school book bans: bans from school libraries and classrooms (“banned”), bans that are pending investigation or review (“banned pending investigation”), and bans by restriction such as grade-level restrictions or parental permission (“banned by restriction”). For a detailed explanation of each type of book ban, visit our School Book Ban FAQ.