United States of America in a Time of Book Banning
OPINION
Gerald A. Padilla
January 20, 2025
A Personal Journey
It was 2016—election season was culminating, and as fortune would have it, we would see the first chapter of a sociopolitical era that would repeat itself today, January 20, 2025. With anti-Mexican political rhetoric as a backdrop, my Mexican wife and poet Rossy Lima, and I, an American of Mexican heritage, had a conversation one late evening about the state of Latinx literature, and the marginalization of our narratives. We spoke about the stories and legacies that have been historically presented in much the same way by current mainstream media—superficial and incomplete at best, and distorted and misleading at worst.
As I lamented the lack of platforms that promoted our literature and narratives, Rossy stated something very particular to her personality. She said, “Why don’t you create a platform?” This is how Latino Book Review was born. In 2016, Rossy and I set out to create a multimedia platform that would ensure our voices had a home not only in the United States but globally.
The Uphill Battle of Latinx Literature in the U.S.
The urgency to bring Latinx voices to the forefront is pressing, as our narratives face increasing threats in today’s sociopolitical climate. Latinx literature, in particular, is under unprecedented attack, targeted by radical politicians and entrenched political systems determined to silence these voices. These forces are not merely attempting to marginalize Latinx narratives—they are systematically erasing the stories of entire communities by weaponizing the legal system to ban Latinx literature and its powerful accounts of struggle, resilience, and identity.
Arizona House Bill 2281
On May 11, 2010, the governor of Arizona, Jan Brewer, signed into law Arizona House Bill 2281, which ultimately banned the Mexican American Studies program from public schools. This law also led to the banning of books by esteemed Chicano authors and scholars, including Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories by Sandra Cisneros, Borderlands by Gloria Anzaldua, Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya, So Far From God by Ana Castillo, Curandera by Carmen Tafolla, The Devil’s Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea, among others. Additionally, it also banned books by other Latino authors such as Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel, Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire, and Zorro by Isabel Allende. The justification for this sweeping censorship was the claim that these books promoted resentment against a specific race and encouraged the overthrow of the government. Some titles were later labeled as sexually explicit and deemed inappropriate for high school students.
In August 2017, a federal judge determined the bill was motivated by discriminatory intent, and struck down the ban on ethnic studies as unconstitutional. The judge determined that the legislation had been enacted "not for a legitimate educational purpose, but for (i) an invidious discriminatory racial purpose and (ii) a politically partisan purpose.”
More Book Bannings in Schools Across the U.S.
Although the Arizona House Bill 2281 was ultimately struck down as unconstitutional seven years after it was signed into law, its destructive effects have spread detrimentally throughout the country. A study by PEN America found that in the fall of 2022 alone, there were 1,477 instances of individual books being banned from schools, affecting 874 unique titles nationwide. In the six-month period, this equals over 100 books removed from students every month. The study also revealed that these bans overwhelmingly continued to target stories by and about people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. With the inability to ban books explicitly for reasons of ethnic or gender identity, those pushing the bans have increasingly resorted to claims of explicit content, offensive language, or ideological bias as a pretext for censorship.
Texas Senate Bill 17
On January 1st, 2024, Texas Senate Bill 17 became part of what is regarded as one of the most bigoted legal waves in modern American politics—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion prohibitions in public universities. Texas Senate Bill 17, which is currently in effect, prohibits public universities, professors, and staff members from engaging in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities. The Office of University Risk and Compliance Services at the University of Texas at Austin currently has an article on their website titled “Texas Senate Bill 17 - Prohibition of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Activities,” The article states that the “law prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, and the programs, activities, and trainings, among other things, traditionally conducted by those offices.” It also states that the university has taken “measures to reach compliance with the law,” and emphasizes that “vigilant on-going efforts are necessary to ensure the University’s continued compliance.”
Anti-DEI Laws Across the U.S.
Texas is not alone in its current prohibitions against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Florida was the first state to pass anti-DEI legislation, and as of March 2024, ten states have enacted anti-DEI laws in public universities, with over a dozen more states introducing pending anti-DEI legislation. These laws primarily target ethnic, cultural, and LGBTQ+ groups, aiming to demolish any resources available to them. A quick online search reveals headlines such as, "Colleges Comply With Anti-DEI Mandates With Firings…And Finesse," "Alabama Anti-DEI Law Shuts Black Student Union Office, Queer Resource Center at Flagship University," "Dozens of UT Employees in DEI-Related Roles to Be Laid Off," "University of Missouri Dissolves DEI Office," "UNC’s Systems-Controlled DEI Demolition," "DEI Ban Prompts Utah Colleges to Close Cultural Centers, Too," among many headlines. These examples reflect the sweeping impact of these laws, which aim to reshape the landscape of higher education by stripping away academic freedom and intellectual diversity and destroying support systems for diverse groups.
What may resemble a dystopian society from a science fiction novel is currently a stark reality throughout the country. These laws not only target intellectual and cultural diversity in universities, but they also criminalize any efforts by professors and staff who promote the very principles of empathy and social justice.
The urgency to protect and promote Latinx literature is now more pressing than ever. The reason it continues to face bans across the country is precisely because it is a blueprint of the struggles fought and won by our ancestors in times like these; because it teaches our communities to unite and fight against injustices and systems of power that try to silence us and other marginalized groups; because it provides an example of collective resilience and inspires our younger generations to do whatever it takes to protect the civil and human rights of one another. This is what Latino Book Review continues to stand for.
Building a Literary Platform for Change
Since its foundation, Latino Book Review has drawn upon the ideals, strength, and resilience of our heritage, working tirelessly to preserve and promote the voices of hundreds of contemporary Latinx authors. What began as a personal, single-handed, initiative, has blossomed into a vibrant, community-driven movement. Latino Book Review now serves as a dynamic platform that inspires and challenges writers and readers alike, both in the U.S. and around the world. With a growing network of dedicated editors, we continue to champion a vision of unity and social justice that characterizes the bravest within our community.
Today, we are proud to have highlighted the work of more than 500 Latinx authors and artists. Our platform includes a podcast titled Latino Book Review Presents and an annual literary arts journal with many institutional subscribers. We have had the privilege of interviewing iconic Chicano figures like Sandra Cisneros, Ana Castillo, Felipe Herrera, Luis Alberto Urrea, Cherríe Moraga, as well as other Latinx literary pillars such as Isabel Allende, Julia Alvarez, Cristina Rivera Garza, to name a few—individuals who have earned accolades like the Pulitzer Prize, MacArthur Fellowships, and presidential recognitions, and who have dedicated their lives to their craft. At the same time, we remain committed to promoting the work of emerging writers and artists who bring fresh perspectives and immense talent to the literary landscape.
Looking forward, our mission is to amplify Latinx voices on a global scale, breaking down borders by sharing narratives and universal themes that transcend cultural boundaries and foster cross-cultural dialogue and understanding. As the founder and editor-in-chief of Latino Book Review, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together as a community, and I am excited about the future we are building.
A Call to Resiliency and Unity
As I reflect on the rising tide of political extremism and the widening rifts within American society, it becomes increasingly difficult to envision an end to the cultural and political persecution of Latinx literature, identity, and the social justice ideals it represents. The forces seeking to ban our literature and criminalize diversity, equity, and inclusion in public spaces are fueled by the same oppressive spirit of those who once persecuted our ancestors in decades past. Yet, just as our predecessors stood resilient in the face of adversity, and continued to produce literary works to document their personal struggles and narratives, we also carry within us an enduring spirit of resilience and commitment to preserving the dignity and legacy of our communities through our literature.
As we confront the challenges of our time, the role of Latinx literature becomes increasingly vital. It is not just a key element of histories and cultural identities, nor is it merely a body of work with intrinsic literary value. Latinx literature stands as a living compass in the ongoing struggle to preserve and build our legacy. We must remain unwavering in our support for Latinx literature, championing Latinx magazines, authors, poet laureates, Latinx and Black-owned book stores, and volunteer or help fund platforms like Latino Book Review which uplift these voices on a global scale (Our Patreon). It is up to us to provide active and hands-on support to ensure the powerful voices of Latinx literature continue to inspire future generations and shape the broader social fabric, fostering a society grounded in justice, equity, and understanding.
Gerald A. Padilla
January 20, 2025
A Personal Journey
It was 2016—election season was culminating, and as fortune would have it, we would see the first chapter of a sociopolitical era that would repeat itself today, January 20, 2025. With anti-Mexican political rhetoric as a backdrop, my Mexican wife and poet Rossy Lima, and I, an American of Mexican heritage, had a conversation one late evening about the state of Latinx literature, and the marginalization of our narratives. We spoke about the stories and legacies that have been historically presented in much the same way by current mainstream media—superficial and incomplete at best, and distorted and misleading at worst.
As I lamented the lack of platforms that promoted our literature and narratives, Rossy stated something very particular to her personality. She said, “Why don’t you create a platform?” This is how Latino Book Review was born. In 2016, Rossy and I set out to create a multimedia platform that would ensure our voices had a home not only in the United States but globally.
The Uphill Battle of Latinx Literature in the U.S.
The urgency to bring Latinx voices to the forefront is pressing, as our narratives face increasing threats in today’s sociopolitical climate. Latinx literature, in particular, is under unprecedented attack, targeted by radical politicians and entrenched political systems determined to silence these voices. These forces are not merely attempting to marginalize Latinx narratives—they are systematically erasing the stories of entire communities by weaponizing the legal system to ban Latinx literature and its powerful accounts of struggle, resilience, and identity.
Arizona House Bill 2281
On May 11, 2010, the governor of Arizona, Jan Brewer, signed into law Arizona House Bill 2281, which ultimately banned the Mexican American Studies program from public schools. This law also led to the banning of books by esteemed Chicano authors and scholars, including Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories by Sandra Cisneros, Borderlands by Gloria Anzaldua, Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya, So Far From God by Ana Castillo, Curandera by Carmen Tafolla, The Devil’s Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea, among others. Additionally, it also banned books by other Latino authors such as Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel, Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire, and Zorro by Isabel Allende. The justification for this sweeping censorship was the claim that these books promoted resentment against a specific race and encouraged the overthrow of the government. Some titles were later labeled as sexually explicit and deemed inappropriate for high school students.
In August 2017, a federal judge determined the bill was motivated by discriminatory intent, and struck down the ban on ethnic studies as unconstitutional. The judge determined that the legislation had been enacted "not for a legitimate educational purpose, but for (i) an invidious discriminatory racial purpose and (ii) a politically partisan purpose.”
More Book Bannings in Schools Across the U.S.
Although the Arizona House Bill 2281 was ultimately struck down as unconstitutional seven years after it was signed into law, its destructive effects have spread detrimentally throughout the country. A study by PEN America found that in the fall of 2022 alone, there were 1,477 instances of individual books being banned from schools, affecting 874 unique titles nationwide. In the six-month period, this equals over 100 books removed from students every month. The study also revealed that these bans overwhelmingly continued to target stories by and about people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. With the inability to ban books explicitly for reasons of ethnic or gender identity, those pushing the bans have increasingly resorted to claims of explicit content, offensive language, or ideological bias as a pretext for censorship.
Texas Senate Bill 17
On January 1st, 2024, Texas Senate Bill 17 became part of what is regarded as one of the most bigoted legal waves in modern American politics—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion prohibitions in public universities. Texas Senate Bill 17, which is currently in effect, prohibits public universities, professors, and staff members from engaging in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities. The Office of University Risk and Compliance Services at the University of Texas at Austin currently has an article on their website titled “Texas Senate Bill 17 - Prohibition of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Activities,” The article states that the “law prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, and the programs, activities, and trainings, among other things, traditionally conducted by those offices.” It also states that the university has taken “measures to reach compliance with the law,” and emphasizes that “vigilant on-going efforts are necessary to ensure the University’s continued compliance.”
Anti-DEI Laws Across the U.S.
Texas is not alone in its current prohibitions against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Florida was the first state to pass anti-DEI legislation, and as of March 2024, ten states have enacted anti-DEI laws in public universities, with over a dozen more states introducing pending anti-DEI legislation. These laws primarily target ethnic, cultural, and LGBTQ+ groups, aiming to demolish any resources available to them. A quick online search reveals headlines such as, "Colleges Comply With Anti-DEI Mandates With Firings…And Finesse," "Alabama Anti-DEI Law Shuts Black Student Union Office, Queer Resource Center at Flagship University," "Dozens of UT Employees in DEI-Related Roles to Be Laid Off," "University of Missouri Dissolves DEI Office," "UNC’s Systems-Controlled DEI Demolition," "DEI Ban Prompts Utah Colleges to Close Cultural Centers, Too," among many headlines. These examples reflect the sweeping impact of these laws, which aim to reshape the landscape of higher education by stripping away academic freedom and intellectual diversity and destroying support systems for diverse groups.
What may resemble a dystopian society from a science fiction novel is currently a stark reality throughout the country. These laws not only target intellectual and cultural diversity in universities, but they also criminalize any efforts by professors and staff who promote the very principles of empathy and social justice.
The urgency to protect and promote Latinx literature is now more pressing than ever. The reason it continues to face bans across the country is precisely because it is a blueprint of the struggles fought and won by our ancestors in times like these; because it teaches our communities to unite and fight against injustices and systems of power that try to silence us and other marginalized groups; because it provides an example of collective resilience and inspires our younger generations to do whatever it takes to protect the civil and human rights of one another. This is what Latino Book Review continues to stand for.
Building a Literary Platform for Change
Since its foundation, Latino Book Review has drawn upon the ideals, strength, and resilience of our heritage, working tirelessly to preserve and promote the voices of hundreds of contemporary Latinx authors. What began as a personal, single-handed, initiative, has blossomed into a vibrant, community-driven movement. Latino Book Review now serves as a dynamic platform that inspires and challenges writers and readers alike, both in the U.S. and around the world. With a growing network of dedicated editors, we continue to champion a vision of unity and social justice that characterizes the bravest within our community.
Today, we are proud to have highlighted the work of more than 500 Latinx authors and artists. Our platform includes a podcast titled Latino Book Review Presents and an annual literary arts journal with many institutional subscribers. We have had the privilege of interviewing iconic Chicano figures like Sandra Cisneros, Ana Castillo, Felipe Herrera, Luis Alberto Urrea, Cherríe Moraga, as well as other Latinx literary pillars such as Isabel Allende, Julia Alvarez, Cristina Rivera Garza, to name a few—individuals who have earned accolades like the Pulitzer Prize, MacArthur Fellowships, and presidential recognitions, and who have dedicated their lives to their craft. At the same time, we remain committed to promoting the work of emerging writers and artists who bring fresh perspectives and immense talent to the literary landscape.
Looking forward, our mission is to amplify Latinx voices on a global scale, breaking down borders by sharing narratives and universal themes that transcend cultural boundaries and foster cross-cultural dialogue and understanding. As the founder and editor-in-chief of Latino Book Review, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together as a community, and I am excited about the future we are building.
A Call to Resiliency and Unity
As I reflect on the rising tide of political extremism and the widening rifts within American society, it becomes increasingly difficult to envision an end to the cultural and political persecution of Latinx literature, identity, and the social justice ideals it represents. The forces seeking to ban our literature and criminalize diversity, equity, and inclusion in public spaces are fueled by the same oppressive spirit of those who once persecuted our ancestors in decades past. Yet, just as our predecessors stood resilient in the face of adversity, and continued to produce literary works to document their personal struggles and narratives, we also carry within us an enduring spirit of resilience and commitment to preserving the dignity and legacy of our communities through our literature.
As we confront the challenges of our time, the role of Latinx literature becomes increasingly vital. It is not just a key element of histories and cultural identities, nor is it merely a body of work with intrinsic literary value. Latinx literature stands as a living compass in the ongoing struggle to preserve and build our legacy. We must remain unwavering in our support for Latinx literature, championing Latinx magazines, authors, poet laureates, Latinx and Black-owned book stores, and volunteer or help fund platforms like Latino Book Review which uplift these voices on a global scale (Our Patreon). It is up to us to provide active and hands-on support to ensure the powerful voices of Latinx literature continue to inspire future generations and shape the broader social fabric, fostering a society grounded in justice, equity, and understanding.
Comment Box is loading comments...
|
|