Dr. Seuss' Books Racist? School District Bans Author From Read Across America Day

A school district in Virginia is changing up its National Read Across America Day celebration by no longer associating the event with Dr. Seuss. The change comes amid allegations of racial undertones in the popular children’s books.

A spokesperson from Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) released a statement clarifying the district’s plans for the books amid rumors Dr. Seuss’ work was going to be banned from schools in the area, the Washington Post reports.

“Schools in LCPS, and across the country, have historically connected Read Across America Day with Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Research in recent years has revealed strong racial undertones in many books written/illustrated by Dr. Seuss,” Wayde B. Byard, a rep for LCPS, explained in a statement.

“Given this research, and LCPS’ focus on equity and culturally responsive instruction, LCPS has provided guidance to schools in the past couple of years to not connect Read Across America Day with Dr. Seuss’ birthday exclusively.”

Although the school district wants students to explore different genres of books and diversify their reading lists, it no longer wants to place a spotlight on Dr. Seuss’ books during the National Read Across America Day celebration.

“That being said, Dr. Seuss' books have not been banned; they are still available to students in our libraries and classrooms,” the spokesperson revealed.

Research by the education and human rights advocacy group Learning For Justice is believed to be behind the school district’s announcement, Fox News reports.

An article on the Learning for Justice website noted a study by St. Catherine University, which found “racist, Orientalist ideas” and “anti-Blackness” themes in Dr. Seuss’ books.