Phoenix (AZ Family)— Last month, the Maricopa County Public Library District publicly condemned the banning and censorship of books on its official social media accounts in a series of videos and memes.
Records obtained arizona family The district’s Facebook page shows it has censored three accounts, including an outspoken critic of library policies who advocate banning books.
From there, Arizona’s family investigates Authorities in 10 counties were found to have jointly blocked at least 52 accounts, raising First Amendment questions following two Supreme Court decisions earlier this year.
As a result of the investigation, a county spokesperson said departments unblocked all accounts and provided further guidance to employees regarding county policy.
“Maricopa County does not condone the blocking of any accounts by our social media team. This is contrary to current policy and is never the way we intend to engage with the public,” said Communications Director. Fields-Moseley said.
Maricopa County is the second public agency to take action in response to our report, following the Arizona Department of Education.
arizona family is investigating official government social media accounts following two rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court this year. A court has ruled that public officials can be held liable for blocking critics on social media in certain circumstances.
The decision states that blocking individuals on social platforms may violate their First Amendment rights by preventing them from accessing government content or participating in public debate. He emphasized that.
Among those blocked in Maricopa County was Dan Kleinman, who runs the Safe Libraries website and has advocated for library policy for more than 25 years.
“They don’t want other people to listen to people who warn about inappropriate things in public libraries,” Kleinman said.
Kleinman’s website outlines efforts to restrict certain books, particularly those dealing with LGBTQ+ issues and sex.
“Frankly, it’s extremely important for America that public institutions hear all sides,” he said.
Other county departments that have blocked accounts include communications, elections, environmental services, flood control, health, and roads.
Some of the blocked accounts appeared to be spam, while others belonged to outspoken individuals.
In X, the Flood Management District Spanish Account @aguasmaricopa We have blocked 10 accounts and muted 43 others. Of those 53 restricted accounts, 40 belonged to former President Donald Trump or people who support conservative causes. Of the remaining accounts that could be classified, only one muted account supported a Democratic candidate or cause.
Moseley, the county spokesperson, declined to comment directly on the Flood Control Agency’s explanation. He said muting accounts is acceptable within county policy because it does not limit residents’ ability to view or comment on government content.
“As social media policies and laws change, Maricopa County has adjusted accordingly,” Moseley said. “Our social media accounts will remain open to all citizens who wish to access them.”
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