Choosing Not to Choose (Presentation Slides)

Choosing Not to Choose: The Ethics of Soft Censorship in U.S. School Library Collections Myranda Lockwood, MPS in Publishing, George Washington University

In an era of increasing political polarization and scrutiny over educational content, many educators and librarians are navigating a complex ethical landscape. This presentation examines the phenomenon of soft censorship: the quiet, preemptive exclusion of potentially controversial books without formal challenges. Often driven by fear of backlash, reputational harm, or loss of funding, these decisions may seem pragmatic but can significantly undermine intellectual freedom and equitable access to literature. Drawing from recent cases in Texas, Iowa, and Florida (among other states), as well as emerging patterns among school vendors and library platforms, this session explores how such decisions disproportionately affect books by or about marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ authors, authors of color, and those writing about mental health or trauma.

Myranda Lockwood is a MPS Publishing student at George Washington University. She earned her BA in English from Daemen University, where she developed a deep passion for championing marginalized voices and advocating for greater accessibility to diverse literature. Currently, she serves as an Enrollment Communications Assistant at Daemen University. Outside of her professional role, Myranda is the Senior Editor of Wallstrait Literary Journal and a Marketing Editor for Radon Journal, where she continues to merge her love for storytelling with her commitment to inclusive publishing.