Book challenges have caused a ruckus in Indiana but are pretty rare, according to a new investigation. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Also by Arnolt Center staff Marissa Meador, Sarita Smith, Haley Ryan, Ryan Murphy, Caroline Geib, Lizzie Wright and Lily Marks
From addiction and apathy to fantasy and poverty, a handful of books have been banned or moved to other schools following complaints.
An investigation by the Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism and the Indiana Capital Chronicle found that found books challenges are rare and removal even rarer.
The Arnolt Center and the Indiana Capital Chronicle contacted around 440 school districts and charter schools in Indiana — 249 responded to the requests and 191 are still processing the requests.
Since 2020, at least six districts banned books, two moved books to other libraries and 17 received complaints about material taught in classrooms or available in libraries.
Documents reviewed by the Arnolt Center detailed some of the districts’ decisions: