Interfaith Friday #4: Book Bans and the Attack on Interfaith Education

The rise in book bans across U.S. schools and libraries is not only censoring LGBTQ+ and racial justice topics—it’s also erasing the complexity of religion in America.

Books about Sikhism, Islam, Judaism, Paganism, and even non-Western Christian traditions have been quietly pulled from shelves under “anti-critical race theory” and “parental rights” justifications. This silences voices and reinforces ignorance.

“When kids can’t learn about different religions, we raise a generation that fears difference,” warns Professor Anika Sharma, an educator and interfaith scholar.

Educators and interfaith coalitions are fighting back, launching read-ins, awareness campaigns, and legal challenges.

Sources:

• PEN America

• Interfaith Youth Core