Federal Courts Uphold Various School Book Restrictions Across U.S.

Federal courts have recently ruled on multiple cases involving book bans and restrictions in schools, often focusing on LGBTQ+ content and First Amendment rights. In Texas, a federal judge permanently blocked a law requiring school book vendors to rate titles for sexual explicitness, deeming it unconstitutional compelled speech, a decision upheld by the conservative 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Meanwhile, in Ohio, a teacher suspended for having LGBTQ+ books in her classroom lost her lawsuit challenging the school district's policy on controversial issues, with the court emphasizing that teachers do not have a constitutional right to choose curricular materials independently. In Massachusetts, a teacher's lawsuit advanced after she was investigated over owning an LGBTQ-related book, "Gender Queer," with the court recognizing the potential chilling effect on her rights. Conversely, in Florida, a federal judge ruled that a school board's removal of a children's book about gay penguins from libraries did not violate free speech, framing library collection decisions as government speech. These rulings collectively highlight the ongoing legal and cultural battles over book content in schools, balancing educational authority, free speech, and LGBTQ+ rights.