A resolution expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.
SRES 838 is a non-binding Senate resolution expressing concern about the increasing number of book bans in schools and libraries across the U.S. It highlights that over 2,500 book restrictions affected more than 4 million students in 32 states during the 2021-2022 school year, including bans on titles addressing LGBTQ+ themes, racial history, and diverse perspectives (such as *The Handmaid’s Tale* and *Maus*). The resolution reaffirms the importance of free expression under the First Amendment and calls on schools and libraries to follow established guidelines when addressing book challenges, rather than removing materials based on political or ideological preferences. It emphasizes protecting students’ access to diverse viewpoints and educators’ ability to teach without censorship.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2022
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Nov 17, 2022
Last action Nov 17, 2022
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Nov 17, 2022
Committee
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S6781-6782)
upper
Nov 17, 2022
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
1 primary · 13 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Brian Schatz
DDemocratic
Co
Alex Padilla
DDemocratic
Co
Bernard Sanders
IIndependent
Co
Christopher Murphy
DDemocratic
Co
Cory A. Booker
DDemocratic
Co
Dianne Feinstein
DDemocratic
Co
Edward J. Markey
DDemocratic
Co
Jack Reed
DDemocratic
Co
Jeff Merkley
DDemocratic
Co
Martin Heinrich
DDemocratic
Co
Mazie K. Hirono
DDemocratic
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about SRES 838
Scope: US
Hi! I can help you understand SRES 838. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline