Standing Against Censorship and Erasure in Arkansas Schools

Parents, students, and educators in Arkansas should be able to trust that their school libraries provide diverse and age-appropriate materials, and that any questions about books are handled transparently, fairly, and in accordance with the law. Unfortunately, recent actions by two Arkansas school districts demonstrate how quickly these principles can be disregarded.

In the past week, EveryLibrary has joined a coalition of leading national and state organizations to oppose concerning censorship practices in the Benton School District and the North Little Rock School District. Removing physical books from school library shelves in Benton and hiding numerous LGBTQIA+ titles on the Epic e-Reading platform in North Little Rock were taken without following proper procedures, contrary to Arkansas law, and in ways that raise clear First Amendment concerns.

What Happened in Benton School District:

The Benton School District removed "Jo: An Adaptation of Little Women (Sort Of)" and "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" without adhering to its own book-challenge procedures. They did not make the books available during the review process, as required, and misapplied Arkansas statutes that are intended solely for elementary-level library spaces. By bypassing a transparent review process and misusing laws meant for younger grades, the district jeopardized students’ rights and violated well-established constitutional protections.

What Happened in the North Little Rock School District:

In North Little Rock, elementary schools were instructed to “hide” fifty books containing LGBTQIA+ content on the Epic Reading digital platform, again without following any formal review process. The district mistakenly relied on laws that apply only to instructional materials or physical library materials, none of which justify restricting a digital library platform. Even more troubling is that this policy specifically targeted LGBTQIA+ content for removal, raising serious concerns about discrimination and viewpoint suppression.

Censorship happens through improper removals, hiding collections, or discriminatory restrictions. In any of these forms it undermines students’ constitutional rights, violates district policy, and erodes trust in public education. School libraries must remain places where students are “free to inquire, to study, and to evaluate,” as affirmed by the Supreme Court for more than 40 years.

EveryLibrary is proud to stand with an extraordinary coalition of partners who signed these two letters, including:

• National Coalition Against Censorship
• Arkansas Library Association
• Arkansas Right to Read Project
• American Booksellers for Free Expression
• American Library Association
• Arkansas Authors Against Book Bans
• The Authors Guild
• PEN America Children’s & YA Books Committee
• Freedom to Read Project
• Indivisible Little Rock & Central Arkansas
• National Council of Teachers of English
• PFLAG National
• Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators

Support Arkansas Right to Read

If you are concerned about censorship, book removals, or discriminatory restrictions in Arkansas schools, please connect with and follow the Arkansas Right to Read Project, a statewide initiative that works to protect students’ rights, support educators, and advance policies that keep school libraries strong and inclusive.

Learn more and get involved today with the Arkansas Right to Read Project.