In a January 24, 2025 statement, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) rescinded all guidance that said school districts could violate civil rights law by implementing book bans. The statement said that removing “age-inappropriate” books from schools is a decision that should be made by parents and communities, and OCR “has no role in these matters.” As a result, OCR promptly dismissed 11 complaints related to book bans.
In addition, OCR eliminated the position of book ban coordinator, whose job was to develop training for schools on how book bans targeting specific communities and driving “hostile school environments” might run counter to federal civil rights laws.
Source: K-12 Dive