Utah has made history as the first state to impose a complete ban on specific books across all schools. The sweeping measure aligns with a new law which came into effect on July 1st. The law mandates local education agencies to prioritize “protecting children from the harmful effects of illicit pornography.” This directive removes the discretion of teachers, librarians, and administrators to assess books based on their artistic, cultural, or educational value. Under the new rule, any book depicting sex or masturbation must be removed. Notifications to the state board are required when books are banned by at least three school districts or two districts and five charter schools. Banned books include names like Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses, Judy Blume’s Forever, and Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake, among others. PEN America has sharply criticized the move, calling it “a dark day for the freedom to read in Utah.” PEN says, “The state’s No-Read List will impose a dystopian censorship regime across public schools.” #Students & Youth Culture