Instead of defending students' right to learn, school boards and outside groups across Washington are attacking it. They're restricting access to some of the most popular books in history and silencing discussion of race, gender, sexuality, or other concepts they consider "divisive." Let’s be clear: censorship doesn’t protect students – it just leaves them without access to essential education and resources. Since last year, Washington has seen challenges to 142 titles. Since 2021, there have been four book bans enforced and censorship attempts in at least 10 Washington school districts. It’s going to take all of us to ensure our right to read and learn freely. Learn more about book bans in Washington and how to protect the freedom to read at aclu-wa.org/book-bans #BannedBooksWeek