Illinois Governor Pritzker Makes Big Announcement

Illinois will become the first state in the country to outlaw book bans...

Illinois Governor Pritzker with Joe BidenPhoto byPhoto via The White House

According to Governor Pritzker, Illinois will become the first state in the country to outlaw book bans. "Here in Illinois, we don't hide from the truth, we embrace it. Young people shouldn't be kept from learning about the realities of our world; I want them to become critical thinkers, exposed to ideas that they disagree with, proud of what our nation has overcome, and thoughtful about what comes next.

"Everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in the books they read, the art they see, the history they learn," continued Governor Pritzker. "In Illinois, we are showing the nation what it really looks like to stand up for liberty."

Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton also made a statement about Illinois becoming the first state in the country to outlaw book bans. "I'm proud that our administration is standing in the gap for literary justice and equity by becoming the first state in the nation to prevent book banning, so that our children and communities can be represented, and have access to reading material that celebrates our diversity and uniqueness.

"Now more than ever, efforts to censor educational and social reading materials are on the rise, and we cannot let extreme views harm LGBTQ+ communities or BIPOC authors and readers, simply because of who they are or who they love."

Illinois' decision to outlaw book bans is a big contrast to other states, such as Utah, Texas, and Florida. "The concept of banning books contradicts the very essence of what our country stands for," said Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. "It also defies what education is all about: teaching our children to think for themselves. This landmark legislation is a triumph for our democracy, a win for First Amendment Rights, and a great victory for future generations."

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