; Whereas the unimpeded sharing of ideas and the freedom to read are essential to a strong democracy; Whereas books do not require readers to agree with topics, themes, or viewpoints but instead allow readers to explore and engage with differing perspectives to form and inform their own views; Whereas suppressing the freedom to read and denying access to literature, history, and knowledge are repressive and antidemocratic tactics used by authoritarian regimes against their people; Whereas book bans violate the rights of students, families, residents, and citizens based on the political, ideological, and cultural preferences of the specific individuals imposing the bans; Whereas book bans have multifaceted, harmful consequences on— (1) students, who have a right to access a diverse range of stories and perspectives, especially students from historically marginalized backgrounds whose communities are often targeted by thought control measures; (2) educators and librarians, who are operating in some States in an increasingly punitive and surveillance-oriented environment and experience a chilling effect in their work; (3) authors whose works are targeted and suppressed; (4) parents who want their children to attend public schools that remain open to curiosity, discovery, and the freedom to read; and (5) community members who want free access to a range of uncensored information and knowledge from their public libraries; Whereas classic and award-winning literature and books that have been part of school curricula for decades have been challenged, removed from libraries pending review, or outright banned from schools, including— (1) Brave New World by Aldous Huxley; (2) The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood; (3) Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation adapted by Ari Folman; (4) Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston; and (5) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee