* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Torrence
At the request of: The Administration
Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
TITLE
Baltimore United Against Book Bans
For the purpose of condemning book bans in public schools and libraries.
BODY
Whereas, the City Council of Baltimore City recognizes that intellectual freedom and the unfettered exchange of ideas are foundational to American democracy.
Whereas, reading is fundamental and a skill that is critical to life-long learning.
Whereas, the written word, in the form of books and other publications, is necessary for learning about complex issues and obtaining exposure to new ideas, cultures, and backgrounds.
Whereas, school-aged children, in particular, deserve to see themselves and their backgrounds reflected in the publications available to them in public schools and libraries.
Whereas, there has recently been an exponential increase in the number of book bans in public schools across the United States, with an increase of 33% in the last academic year alone.
Whereas, in the first 8 months of 2023, attempts were made to challenge or censor over 1900 books in public libraries across the country. The vast majority of these titles were about or by individuals of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Whereas, books that have been targeted include The Diary of Anne Frank, Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give, Patricia McCormack’s Sold, and Maia Kobabe...
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