Nearly 12k books banned in public schools in 2025

(NBC, KYMA) - A new report finds a record number of books were banned in public schools in 2025.

Nearly 12,000 book bans were recorded in public schools over the past year, according to Pen America, the highest number since the organization began tracking removals five years ago.

The report identifies race, racism, sexuality, and gender identity among the most common reasons books were challenged.

Florida and Texas accounted for many of the removals, amid laws restricting certain school materials.

Pen America also says school administrators are increasingly using artificial intelligence to help identify books for removal.

In all, 11,982 bans affected over 7,000 individual works, with more than 4,500 targeted for the first time.

Stephen King was the most frequently banned author for the second consecutive year.