ACLU Sues Over Book Bans in Schools Nationwide

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed multiple lawsuits challenging book bans, including one against the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools for military families and another in Rutherford County, Tennessee. In Tennessee, the ACLU, along with PEN America and local families, is contesting the removal of over 145 books, arguing this violates students' and authors' rights. The DoDEA lawsuit challenges Trump-era executive orders that prompted bans on books and curricula addressing race, gender identity, and LGBTQ+ issues, as well as the cancellation of affinity clubs and history months. Plaintiffs in both cases assert that these actions infringe on First Amendment rights and deprive students of essential educational content. The lawsuits underscore a broader national debate over censorship, diversity, and academic freedom in American schools. School officials named in the lawsuits have stated they will respond through the courts.