Washington, DC — As we mark this year’s arrival of Banned Books Week, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“People For the American Way has been part of the national observance of Banned Books Week since its beginning two decades ago, and we have never seen a year in which it was more important than this one. Anyone who saw the chilling photos of crowds at Donald Trump’s latest rally, arms raised in what looked for all the world like a fascist salute, knows the Far Right’s book banning effort comes at the same time as a frightening surge in far-right authoritarianism in America. The number of far-right efforts to ban books from schools and libraries is on track to surpass last year’s historic high. And once again, the censors have set their sights on books that are overwhelmingly by and about people of color and LGBTQ+ people. All of us need to fight back against the silencing of voices and attacks on freedom to learn that have always been the hallmarks of fascism, before it’s too late.”

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About People For the American Way 

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.