Penguin Random House sues Iowa over law banning books in schools
Penguin Random House, one of the country's largest publishers, has filed a federal lawsuit challenging an Iowa state law that bans books in schools and limits what can be taught on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Lawsuit challenges book ban in Iowa schools
Penguin Random House, along with bestselling authors and educators, has filed a lawsuit against Iowa over a state law that bans books in schools and restricts discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity. The lawsuit argues that the law deprives students of critical literature that portrays diverse human experiences and discriminates against LGBTQ+ viewpoints and authors.
This is the second lawsuit in a week challenging the law, with Lambda Legal, the ACLU of Iowa, and the law firm Jenner & Block LLP filing a separate lawsuit earlier. These suits argue that the law seeks to silence LGBTQ+ students and eliminate any recognition of LGBTQ+ people in public schools.
The plaintiffs aim to block the provisions of SF 496, the law signed by Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds in May, that call for the removal of books from school libraries and classrooms. They argue that the law violates the First and 14th Amendments.
Book bans on the rise in the US
According to a free speech group, book bans are increasing in the US, specifically targeting content related to sexuality and deemed inappropriate. The banning of books with sexual or LGBTQ+ content is a trend that is raising concerns among educators, authors, and advocates for free expression.
SF 496, the Iowa law being challenged, requires K-12 school libraries to carry only age-appropriate books and excludes those with descriptions or visual depictions of sex acts. Violators of the law could face disciplinary actions, including termination and loss of license.
The Iowa State Educators Association (ISEA) has raised concerns about the lack of clear guidance on which books violate the law, leading to proposals to remove award-winning novels from school libraries. Many educators and parents argue that the law is overly restrictive and unfairly censors materials for all students.
Authors join the fight against book bans
Prominent authors, including John Green and Jodi Picoult, whose books have been challenged or removed from Iowa classrooms, have joined the legal battle against the book ban law. Author Malinda Lo, whose novel won the 2021 National Book Award in Young People's Literature, has also become a plaintiff in the lawsuit.
Lo's banned book, set in the McCarthy era and exploring the Chinese American lesbian experience, has faced bans in multiple school districts across the country. Lo emphasizes the importance of standing up for the rights of immigrant and LGBTQ communities and ensuring that readers of diverse backgrounds can find representation in literature.
The lawsuit not only aims to protect the rights of authors and publishers but also recognizes the impact of book bans on students and their access to diverse perspectives and experiences.
