Public Schools

Poll On Book Banning Shows Christian Nationalists Are Out Of Touch With The Rest Of America

  Rob Boston

A recent poll by the EveryLibrary Institute shows that most Americans aren’t fans of book banning.

The poll, which the group released during Banned Books Week (Sept. 18-24), found that 75% of Americans oppose banning books. Americans are especially concerned about the banning of classic novels and children’s books. More than 90% oppose such bans.

The poll surveyed more than 1,100 registered voters. Here are some other highlights:

  • A mere 8% of respondents believe “there are many books that are inappropriate and should be banned.”
  • 50% of voters say there is “absolutely no time when a book should be banned,” while 41% say there are only “rare times” when it’s appropriate.
  • Only 18% of voters support book banning on issues of race and “critical race theory.” About one-third say they support bans on books that discuss sexuality.
  • Americans are aware that attempts to ban books are occurring in the country. 92% of respondents say they’ve heard at least something about the issue.
  • Voters support public libraries, with 69% reporting favorable feelings about libraries and 66% about librarians.
  • About 60% of voters oppose banning books even if they are alleged to be “explicit,” and 72% of voters oppose banning The 1619 Project or other works on race that some on the far right have attacked.

The results are heartening, but they won’t mean much if Americans don’t make it clear that attempts by Christian nationalists to limit what people can read, learn and experience won’t be tolerated and then act accordingly to put a stop to them.

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