Colorado has led the way in a wide variety of policy discussions over the years and it once again is leading when it comes to censorship. Although book censorships is a conversation happening throughout the country, our state has joined the top ranks for targeting more than 100 titles for exclusion or censorship according to the American Library Association.

Though we mainly hear about this contentious issue in our public schools, these book censorships are also targeting our spaces meant to provide access to diverse perspectives and voices, our public libraries. According to the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom report, book censorships proponents in 2023 “focused on public libraries in addition to targeting school libraries. The number of titles targeted for censorship at public libraries increased by 92 percent over the previous year; school libraries saw an 11 percent increase”. In addition, the books that made up 47% of those targeted for censorship are those speaking to or living the experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.

Stay up to speed: Sign up for daily opinion in your inbox Monday-Friday

We all have our individual experiences, cultural backgrounds, social influences and norms that shape our beliefs and who we are. The diversity in our human experience contribute to our individual uniqueness and the uniqueness of our families. Everyone should have access to written materials that ensure everyone can see themselves represented as well as learn from others and their perspectives.

Censoring materials based off subjective values is a violation of free speech and the right to access diverse ideas. It is simple: if you don’t like a particular title, you have the personal choice not to read it. However, that preference shouldn’t limit others who may have find meaning or connection to that material. Everyone should have access to content that reflects their own values and beliefs.

Who is the final curator of what books children can access? | COUNTERPOINT

It should go without saying having access to a broad range of ideas and viewpoints are a few basic ingredients to developing intellectual freedom. Having exposure to a wide range of literature is essential for developing critical thinking skills and fostering intellectual growth. Without access to a variety of differing viewpoints, we are less able to challenge our own beliefs and consider our alternative viewpoints and become accustomed to only one way of thinking that will limit our ability to innovate or hinder our personal growth.

Lisa LaBriola is a principal at Husch Blackwell Strategies and was a Senate Democrat staffer for close to a decade. She served as chief of staff to former Senate Minority Leader Lucia Guzman and former Senate President Leroy Garcia. Opinions expressed here are her own and do not reflect the opinions of any other organizations.