Freedom to read faces federal scrutiny

Following the Trump administration’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the US Naval Academy removed nearly 400 books deemed DEI-related from its Nimitz Library (later returning most of them to circulation). Meanwhile, in April, the Supreme Court heard arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor, a case brought by parents wishing to opt their children out of instruction that incorporates books with LGBTQ+ themes at Montgomery County (Md.) Public Schools. The Court ruled 6–3 in June that the district violated families’ First Amendment rights in not allowing such opt-outs.

New leadership at ALA

Dan Montgomery joined the American Library Association (ALA) as executive director on November 10, succeeding Leslie Burger, who had served as executive director on an interim basis since November 2023.…