On October 5, 2023, the FIU Libraries’ Academic and Intellectual Freedom Committee hosted a crucial discussion on the current state of book banning and censorship in the United States, with a specific focus on Florida. This special session was part of the First Thursdays Library lecture series.
During the event, attendees were presented with startling statistics from the American Libraries Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom (ALA OIF), PEN America, the Florida Freedom to Read Foundation (FFTRF), and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) that led experts to declare 2022 the worst year for book bans in history. The committee also delved into the impact of recent state legislation, which has enabled increased demands for censorship.
The session also explored effective strategies that libraries can employ to foster thoughtful dialogue even amidst dissenting viewpoints. By reviewing the concerning trends and offering reflective responses, the event sought to shed light on current intellectual freedom challenges and equip libraries to uphold access to information.