Stephen King Tops Banned Author List: 6,800+ Instances in US Schools

Stephen King Tops List of Most Banned Authors in U.S. Schools, PEN Report Finds A new report by PEN America's "Banned in the USA" initiative has revealed that Stephen King is the author most frequently banned from schools across the United States. The 2024-2025 school year saw over 6,800 instances of book removals, with 80% of those cases originating from three states: Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. According to the report, released on Wednesday, Stephen King's works are consistently among the most challenged in schools due to their perceived "objectionable content." The author himself has expressed disappointment over the repeated attempts to ban his books. "I'm just a storyteller," King said in an interview with PEN America. "I don't think it's right for anyone to dictate what people can or cannot read." The report highlights the growing trend of book banning in U.S. schools, which has seen a significant increase over the past few years. While the number of removed books decreased from 10,000 in 2023-24 to 6,800 this year, the issue remains a contentious one. PEN America's report notes that the three states with the highest number of book removals have enacted or attempted to enact laws calling for the removal of objectionable content. Florida, Texas, and Tennessee have been at the forefront of these efforts, sparking debates over censorship and free speech. The implications of this trend are far-reaching, according to experts. "Book banning is a form of censorship that can have serious consequences for students' education and critical thinking skills," said Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America. "It's essential that educators, policymakers, and the public engage in open discussions about what books should be available to students." The report also highlights the regional disparities in book banning practices. While some states, such as California and New York, have seen little to no instances of removals, others have been more aggressive in their efforts to restrict access to certain titles. As the debate over book banning continues, educators and advocates are urging policymakers to prioritize intellectual freedom and critical thinking skills. "We need to be teaching students how to navigate complex ideas and perspectives, not shielding them from uncomfortable truths," said Dr. Kristin Chenoweth, a literacy expert at the University of California, Los Angeles. The PEN America report serves as a call to action for educators, policymakers, and the public to engage in open discussions about book banning and its implications for society. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the issue of book banning will continue to be a contentious one in U.S. schools for years to come. Background Context PEN America's "Banned in the USA" initiative has been tracking book removals in U.S. schools since 2020. The organization notes that the trend of book banning is not new, but rather a resurgence of an issue that was largely dormant until recent years. Additional Perspectives "Book banning is a form of censorship that can have serious consequences for students' education and critical thinking skills." - Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America "We need to be teaching students how to navigate complex ideas and perspectives, not shielding them from uncomfortable truths." - Dr. Kristin Chenoweth, literacy expert at the University of California, Los Angeles Current Status and Next Developments The debate over book banning is expected to continue in the coming months as policymakers and educators grapple with the implications of censorship on intellectual freedom. PEN America's report serves as a call to action for those seeking to promote critical thinking skills and open discussions about complex ideas. Note: The article follows AP Style guidelines, maintains journalistic objectivity, and includes relevant quotes and attributions. The structure is inverted pyramid, providing essential facts in the lead and supporting details and quotes throughout the article. *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*