We’re a collective force for
Anti-Censorship
Banning books and censoring diverse viewpoints is harmful to our democracy, specifically impacting the diversity of the American people, including religious diversity.
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We believe in the freedom to learn
Our nation’s public schools and libraries are building blocks for an inclusive, participatory democracy, where exposure to new ideas allows students to flourish and grow.
But a coordinated national censorship campaign is eliminating diverse perspectives and creating a hostile learning environment with a particular burden falling on youth representing minority faiths, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations and gender identities. Banning books and censoring diverse viewpoints is harmful to our democracy, specifically impacting the diversity of the American people, including religious diversity. Many of the titles being banned in schools and libraries around the country are about minority faiths, which is a threat to religious freedom. Further, in many cases, LGBTQ+ subject matter is being banned under the guise of religious freedom. It is imperative that people of faith speak out to protect our pluralistic, inclusive democracy.
Tell Congress: Sponsor the Banned Books Resolution
A coordinated national censorship campaign – with deep ties to the Christian nationalist movement – is banning books and attacking the foundations of our democracy, targeting books about minority faiths and ethnicities, LGBTQ+ identity, racism, and history. Congress has an opportunity now to take a stand for our kids and for the First Amendment by supporting the Banned Books Resolution.
resources
Anti-Censorship resources
Instead of celebrating diversity of belief, many book ban advocates are using religion as a sword to discriminate by limiting subject matter that is not in line with one particular faith Perspective.
We are working in partnership with the American Library Association and PEN America to address growing censorship and book bans.
If you’re interested in learning more about our anti-censorship advocacy, please contact Tranée McDonald at tmcdonald@interfaithalliance.org.
Instead of celebrating diversity of belief, many book ban advocates are using religion as a sword to discriminate by limiting subject matter that is not in line with one particular faith Perspective.
We are working in partnership with the American Library Association and PEN America to address growing censorship and book bans.
If you’re interested in learning more about our anti-censorship advocacy, please contact Tranée McDonald at tmcdonald@interfaithalliance.org.
50 Banned Books Featuring Religious Minorities
See the listBanned Beliefs: How People of Diverse Faiths Are Fighting to Protect Our Public Schools and Libraries
Access the resource
Moral Courage in Action: Faith Communities Confront Executive Overreach
This June, the Trump administration deployed the National Guard to California following widespread protests against a series of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across the city; protesters stood in solidarity with immigrant communities and voiced opposition to mass deportation. Executive overreach under the guise of making communities “safer” threatens the freedom and safety of protesters and distorts democratic norms. In August, the administration further displayed overreach by deploying National Guard troops and quelling protests in Washington, D.C. In September, the administration announced that Portland, Oregon, would be the next city to have troops mobilized in its community. In response, faith communities, along with their partners, have not relented and are pushing back in defense of immigrant rights and the integrity of our democracy.
Faith Rising for Democracy: How to Show Up for No Kings, With Adam Friedman
Ahead of the nationwide No Kings II demonstrations on October 18th, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush discusses nonviolent resistance and strategies for safely exercising the constitutional right to peaceful protest with Interfaith Alliance Organizing and Election Strategist Adam Friedman
Interfaith Alliance Stands Against Censorship
This week, Interfaith Alliance is proud to join libraries, educators, advocates, and readers across the country in celebrating Banned Books Week 2025 (October 5–11). The theme, “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights,” reminds us that the freedom to read is a fundamental part of the freedom to think and believe.
Let's build a democracy that works for all people
Together, we can make a significant impact in this pivotal moment in our nation's history.