Education Dept. ends investigations into book bans, sparking争议 from free speech advocates.

Free speech groups like PEN America and the American Library Association have criticized the U.S. Department of Education for dismissing book bans as a "hoax" and ending investigations into 11 complaints. These organizations report thousands of bans, especially of books with LGBTQ+ or racial themes. The Education Department's acting assistant secretary said they are restoring parents' rights, but critics argue this move impacts students' access to diverse literature.