MLA and ACLU Partner to Track and Map Censorship Efforts in Michigan

Two years ago, the ACLU of Michigan launched an innovative online mapping tool that tracked book bans and other forms of government censorship throughout the state. MLA is excited to announce a major update in that work. Through our partnership with the ACLU of Michigan, we’ve worked together to complete the first comprehensive update to the map and brought it directly to the MI Right to Read website.

Hostile Territory: Mapping Michigan’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Movement & Other Government Acts of Censorship is a resource that documents book bans, challenges, and other forms of government actions affecting First Amendment and civil rights in Michigan schools and public libraries. Beyond book bans and challenges, the map also records other instances of censorship by local governments and schools, like restrictions on Pride Flags and other protected expression.

Updates reflect new developments at schools and libraries that occurred long after the original reports were included on the map, ensuring the public can see how communities have responded to censorship threats, not just where they’ve emerged. By making the Hostile Territory tool more accurate and accessible, we’re strengthening our ability to recognize censorship trends, learn from one another’s experience, and respond with confidence.

If you know of a challenge in your community, please share it by using the MI Right to Read Request Support form linked below. Information shared with MLA through the form will never be shared without your permission. Public information, such as new reports and meeting minutes about challenges, is used to track government censorship in our state in cooperation with the ACLU of Michigan. Learn more and view the map at mirighttoread.com/map.