Western Reader
The United States’ public opinion is divided on whether public schools should have the authority to ban books when some parents disapprove. A recent national survey has revealed this new development.
Poll Reveals Divided Views on Book Removals, Based on Sexual Orientation and Race
The UMass-Amherst/WCVB national poll aimed to gather people’s opinions on removing books from schools in response to parental objections. These objections usually revolve around content related to sexual orientation or race.
Among the respondents, 28% strongly supported the removal of books containing discussions of sexual orientation that have faced objections. Conversely, 31% strongly opposed such a policy.
Regarding racial content, 13% were strongly in favor of removing objected books, while a larger portion, 39%, strongly opposed this action.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) signs a first-in-the-nation ban on book bans:
“Book bans are about censorship, marginalizing people, marginalizing ideas and facts. Regimes ban books, not democracies.” pic.twitter.com/sBOMG7EhXJ
— Heartland Signal (@HeartlandSignal) June 12, 2023
The UMass-Amherst/WCVB national survey is based on the responses of 1,133 people. It was conducted between May 31 and June 8 and has a margin of error of 3.4%.
Poll Highlights Divided Views on Transgender Youth in Sports and Healthcare
In other findings, the poll revealed that 35% of respondents strongly supported a bill that would prevent transgender youth from participating in sports teams that align with their gender identity. On the other hand, 13% of Americans were strongly against such a proposal.
Regarding a potential law that would criminalize the provision of gender-affirming healthcare to transgender youth, 25% of those surveyed expressed support, while 22% stated they would strongly oppose such a measure.
Book bans are about censorship and marginalizing people, ideas, and facts. They have no place in a democracy.
I’m proud that we’re the first state in our nation to officially outlaw book bans once and for all. https://t.co/ewGslx7qa3
— JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) June 13, 2023
Regarding perceptions of gender, a significant majority of all those polled (60%) expressed the belief that being a man or woman is fixed and unchangeable.
This survey reveals the considerable divide in public opinion in the United States concerning book censorship in schools, the participation of transgender youth in sports, and access to gender-affirming healthcare.
This article appeared in Right Wing Insider and has been published here with permission.
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