SRES 838 United States Senate · 117th Congress

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
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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

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