Federal Judge Rules Colorado District Must Return Removed Books, Cannot Remove More | Fox31
A U.S. District Court judge ruled Wednesday that the Elizabeth School District must return all books it removed from its libraries no later than March 25. The district was also instructed that it could not remove additional books because the district “disagrees with the views expressed therein or merely to further their preferred political or religious orthodoxy.” The books were removed in 2024 and placed on a “sensitive topics” list which required a guardian's permission for kids to check the books out from the library. The board looked at seven sensitive topic areas when considering which books should be banned, including sexual content, graphic violence, racism, profanity, ideations of self-harm, and religious views. Elizabeth School District had not made a public statement about the ruling on Wednesday but did have a link on its homepage to a fundraiser by Parents United to help pay the district’s legal fees.

Texas Senate Approves Bill Giving School Boards, Not Librarians, Final Say on School Library Book Selection| Odessa American
The Texas Senate passed a bill Wednesday that would give parents more power over which books their children can read in public school libraries. The measure was approved Wednesday by a 23-8 vote. Senate Bill 13 would represent an overhaul of how schools decide what books are placed in their libraries, requiring that school boards, rather than librarians, have the final say over which new books or materials can be put in school libraries. The bill would also create a way for parents to challenge any library book and have it removed from shelves until the school board decides whether that material is allowed. The bill now heads to the Texas House.

Removing Books From Schools Isn't a Ban, South Carolina Superintendent Says. She bristles at Nazi comparison. | Aiken Standard
There's a big difference between removing pornographic books from schools and banning books, according to South Carolina Superintendent Ellen Weaver. "We are not banning books," Weaver said March 12 during a Steel Magnolias Republican women's group meeting at Southbound Smokehouse in North Augusta. A South Carolina Board of Education regulation creating a pathway for parents to challenge instructional materials they find sexually explicit and objectionable went into effect last year. The pathway calls for parents to challenge books through their local school board. If they're unhappy with the decision, they can appeal to the state board. The state board can remove titles from all public schools in the state, keep the book, or keep the book but require students to get parental permission to read it.

Pennsylvania School District Will Review Its Library Policy After Backlash Over Book Bans | MSN [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Radnor school officials said they will review their library selection policy amid community backlash over the district’s decision to ban three graphic novels last month. During a school board policy committee meeting, administrators — who have said the removals of Gender Queer, Fun Home, and Blankets were in line with the district’s policy — acknowledged the complaints. They said they would research other school policies, consult with librarians, and review best practices from the American Library Association before bringing information to the committee in April.

Public Comment Fails to Stop School Board from Banning Book from Oregon High School Library | KEZI
The school board of the Siuslaw School District in Florence, OR, banned graphic novel Flamer by Mike Curato from Siuslaw High School after a student filed a formal complaint over the contents of the book. During a board meeting on March 12, people had the chance for public comment, in which some spoke against the board considering removing the book. When the complaint was filed, the school board assembled a committee to review the book. This committee was made up of community members including a pastor, a high school principal, a business owner, and others according to Ned Hickson, an author and retired journalist who was also asked to join the committee.

Pennsylvania District Passes Final Read of Controversial Library Policy, Defining Process to Challenge Books | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pine-Richland (PA) school directors passed the final reading of a controversial library book policy. The heavily edited policy—which was approved during a tense meeting that devolved into arguments between residents and at times between board members—now includes changes to the reconsideration process if a book is challenged, increases the timeline for purchasing books, and adds language regarding parental rights. Under the policy, if a community member asks for a book to be removed from the school library, the superintendent will review the request and the book to see if it conforms to the policy. Librarians must also provide their principals with a full list of books they would like to purchase. The list will be made public for 30 days prior to the superintendent’s final approval. After 30 days, the superintendent will make a final recommendation list for approval by the school board.

New Exhibit in Florida Tackling Conversation of Removing Books from Public School Libraries | Fox13
A new exhibit by artist and activist Shelly Steck Reale at the Brenda McMahon Art Gallery in Gulfport, FL, titled "Banned: And Still I Rise," aims to start a conversation, even if the people talking disagree. The art and potential conversations center around the topic of removing books from public school libraries. The exhibit features seven stoneware ceramic figures sitting on top of stacks of books. Some of the books have been banned from school libraries, while others have been discussed as part of potential bans. Other books represent "concepts" that have faced similar removals or debates across the country.

Missouri District Rolls Out Unique Program Amid Book Challenges | KHSB [via YouTube]
Lee’s Summit R-7 (MO) school district always allowed parents to call and restrict what their children can check out but they have formalized the process, now allowing parents to submit up to 20 books their children can’t read, and they receive an email when books are checked out.

Virginia Lawmakers Direct Researchers to Review Book Bans| WTOP
The General Assembly has given the green light for state researchers to launch studies on removing books in public school libraries, the funding methodology used to determine judicial allocations, and the total cost of coastal storm risk management. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), which conducts analysis and provides oversight of state agencies on behalf of the legislature, is responsible for the studies. Research completed by JLARC often prompts new legislative proposals and changes to governance. JLARC was directed to look back at how books were removed from public school libraries since July 1, 2020. Researchers will include details about the books removed, the rationale behind the removals, the removal process, and whether school divisions utilized the commonwealth’s model policies. The study will also identify what state resources are available to school administrators related to decisions about removing books.

Nebraska Lawmakers Advance Bill Allowing Parental Notification for School Library Checkouts | The Hill
Nebraska could soon require public schools to inform parents about the books their children check out from libraries if they want to monitor their reading materials. The proposed legislation, which also would require public schools to create online databases of the books carried in their libraries, passed a crucial hurdle, advancing out of the 49-member unicameral Legislature. The proposal must pass another debate and vote before it heads to Republican Gov. Jim Pillen’s desk. A similar effort failed in Nebraska last year.