Attempted book bans surged in 2022 as leaders target sexual content and critical race theory: Report

Attempts to restrict access to certain books increased in 2022, particularly those featuring LGBT and racial themes. This comes as lawmakers across the country have made efforts to prevent young children from being exposed to graphic sexual content and critical race theory in schools.

According to a new report from the American Library Association, the number of materials that restrictions were sought for in 2022 nearly doubled from 2021. It revealed that there were 1,269 requests made to have resources censored in 2022, compared to just 729 requests the year prior. Many of the requests were against multiple titles.