July 27, 2025

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‘Molly’s Tuxedo’ Dispute Reflects National Wave of School Book Bans

A simple picture book in South Berwick, Maine, has ignited a fierce debate over school reading lists. “Molly’s Tuxedo,” featuring a girl who wants to wear a tuxedo and published with an LGBTQ nonprofit, was challenged by parents citing ideological concerns, though it remains on library shelves.

This local dispute mirrors a broader surge in organized book bans. PEN America reports nearly 16,000 removals from public schools since 2021—most targeting titles on race, racism and LGBTQ issues—while polling shows over 50% of Americans oppose stripping library shelves of diverse viewpoints.

Communities Mobilize Back-to-School Supply Drives

As summer winds down, communities across the U.S. are organizing back-to-school supply drives to support underfunded students. In Palm Beach County, the Town of Palm Beach United Way’s 13th annual campaign runs through August 4, having collected nearly $15,000 and 17,000 items last year to benefit three local nonprofits.

In Westmoreland County, PA, and the Wilmington, NC, region, churches, hospitals and nonprofits are hosting events from free backpack giveaways on August 3 in Latrobe, PA, to “Stuff the Bus” rallies and wellness fairs in Wilmington. These partnerships aim to ensure low-income children receive the pencils, notebooks and other tools they need to thrive in the new school year.

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Bipartisan Bill Funds School Programs to Curb Fentanyl, Trafficking and Gangs

Reps. Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Eric Sorensen (IL-17) have introduced the Safe Schools and Communities Act, a bipartisan proposal that allows public K-12 schools to apply for federal grants to train faculty and develop curricula on human trafficking prevention, fentanyl awareness and gang activity reduction.

This measure taps existing Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, requiring no new federal appropriations. With fentanyl now the leading cause of death for 18- to 45-year-olds and more than 150 overdose fatalities daily, sponsors say early intervention in schools can stop drug use, exploitation and violence before they start.

Gen Z Disinterest Deepens Teacher Shortage in the South

Southern states face a steep Gen Z teaching decline: In 15 Southern states, 23% fewer teacher candidates completed education preparation in 2022 than in 2013—over 16,000 fewer potential educators—according to the Southern Regional Education Board. High school interest in Mississippi tumbled from 6.2% in 2016 to 4.8% in 2022.

A 2024 SREB study by Megan Boren cites Gen Z’s emphasis on work-life balance, low salaries and insufficient administrative support as key deterrents. Early exposure initiatives such as middle and high school teaching practicums and stronger support structures for new teachers emerge as promising remedies to attract the next generation of educators.

Georgetown to Accept Common Application Beginning 2026

Georgetown University will for the first time join the Common Application pool beginning in August 2026, opening applications for the fall 2027 entering class. By allowing one application to serve up to 20 colleges, the move aims to simplify the process and expand access, particularly for low-income students.

Founded in 1789, Georgetown now enrolls 7,220 undergraduates with a 13 percent acceptance rate. The university will continue to require SAT or ACT scores from all applicants and maintain its existing legacy-applicant review practices.

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‘Molly’s Tuxedo’ Controversy Mirrors National Surge of School Book Bans