Trump allies deploy “book-banning pastor” to school districts across the country

Noel Sims

Popular Information

Mar 6, 2025

​In recent years, a significant movement has emerged within the United States, characterized by coordinated efforts to remove certain books from school libraries and curricula. A prominent figure in this movement is Pastor John Amanchukwu, often referred to as the "book-banning pastor." Supported by conservative organizations and donors, Amanchukwu has embarked on a nationwide tour, advocating for the removal of books that conflict with his conservative Christian views, particularly those addressing LGBTQ+ themes.

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Amanchukwu's Nationwide Advocacy

Since 2023, Pastor Amanchukwu, hailing from North Carolina, has attended over 23 school board meetings across 18 states. His primary objective is to urge school districts to eliminate books he deems inappropriate, often focusing on literature by or about LGBTQ+ individuals. His approach at these meetings is notably confrontational; he frequently reads explicit passages aloud, challenges board members, and sometimes disrupts proceedings to emphasize his points. For instance, during a meeting in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, he criticized the book "It Feels Good to Be Yourself" for acknowledging gender fluidity, citing religious texts to support his stance. When informed that his comments were off-topic, he raised his voice, leading to a temporary recess of the meeting. ​

Financial Backing and Organizational Support

Amanchukwu's endeavors are bolstered by significant financial and organizational support. In August 2023, he announced a partnership with Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a conservative organization, to further his book-banning campaign. He revealed that TPUSA had contributed substantial funds to his cause and acknowledged additional financial backing from Robert "Dr. Bob" Shillman, a businessman known for supporting right-wing activists. While specific details of these financial arrangements remain undisclosed, TPUSA's promotional materials suggest that Shillman's donations are instrumental in funding Amanchukwu's tour.​

Impact on School Board Meetings

Amanchukwu's appearances at school board meetings have been marked by heightened tensions and disruptions. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, his attendance drew large crowds of both supporters and opponents, leading to protests and confrontations outside the meeting venue. Inside, he delivered remarks criticizing the district's policies and the presence of LGBTQ+ literature in schools. Such events underscore the deep divisions and charged atmosphere surrounding the debate over book bans in educational settings. ​

National Context and Responses

The movement to ban certain books is part of a broader national discourse on educational content and parental rights. The U.S. Department of Education, under the Trump administration, has dismissed concerns about book bans as unfounded, asserting that schools are merely removing materials deemed age-inappropriate or sexually explicit. This stance has been met with criticism from organizations like PEN America and the American Library Association, which argue that such actions amount to censorship and restrict access to diverse perspectives. PEN America, for instance, reported nearly 16,000 instances of book bans nationwide since 2021, highlighting the scale and intensity of this issue. ​

Implications for Educators

For educators, the rise of coordinated book-banning efforts presents significant challenges. The removal of certain books can limit students' exposure to diverse viewpoints and hinder critical thinking. Educators may find themselves navigating complex situations where they must balance community concerns with the imperative to provide inclusive and comprehensive education. The climate of heightened scrutiny can also lead to self-censorship, where teachers might avoid certain topics or materials to preempt potential backlash.​

Conclusion

The activities of figures like Pastor John Amanchukwu and the support they receive from conservative organizations reflect a concerted effort to influence educational content in the United States. While proponents argue that such actions protect children from inappropriate material, critics contend that they constitute censorship and undermine educational freedom. As this debate continues, educators are at the forefront, striving to uphold the principles of academic integrity and inclusivity in an increasingly polarized environment.

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com