US School Book Bans Hit Record 12,000 in 2025-2026

The United States experienced a record high of 11,991 book bans in public schools during the 2025-2026 academic year, according to a report released on Monday by the free-expression non-profit organization PEN America. This figure represents the highest number of book bans recorded in a single year since PEN America began tracking the trend in 2021. The report indicates that Texas led the nation with 8,100 instances of book bans, significantly contributing to the national total. Stephen King was identified as the most frequently banned author for the second consecutive year, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by educators and librarians in providing diverse reading materials to students.

PEN America's findings reveal a substantial increase in censorship efforts within educational institutions. Since the organization initiated its tally of the escalating "book censorship crisis" in US schools four years ago, there have been a cumulative total of 34,000 instances of book bans. This sustained surge in censorship underscores a growing national debate surrounding curriculum content and the availability of literature that addresses various social and historical themes. The report details specific instances and patterns of removal, often targeting books that explore topics related to race, gender, and sexuality, as well as those that are perceived to be politically charged.

The methodology employed by PEN America for its report involved analyzing data from school districts across the country, including official board minutes, administrative directives, and media reports. The organization defines a "book ban" as the removal of a book from a school’s library or curriculum, or the restriction of access to it, following objections from individuals or groups. The sheer volume of bans in the 2025-2026 school year suggests a coordinated and widespread effort to limit the scope of available reading materials for students. The disproportionate number of bans in Texas points to specific regional or state-level legislative and administrative actions that have facilitated such removals.

The implications of these record-breaking book bans extend beyond mere statistical data. PEN America emphasizes that such actions can have a chilling effect on intellectual freedom and the ability of students to engage with a wide range of ideas and perspectives. The report serves as a critical resource for policymakers, educators, parents, and advocates concerned about the state of censorship in American schools. By providing concrete data and analysis, PEN America aims to inform public discourse and support efforts to protect students' rights to read and access information freely. The continued prominence of authors like Stephen King on banned lists also suggests a pattern of targeting popular and widely read works, potentially impacting a broad spectrum of student readers.