Fighting Back Against Censorship
On this episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sits down with Emerson Sykes, senior staff attorney at the ACLU, to unpack the growing wave of book bans and attacks on free speech sweeping across the U.S. The conversation spotlights the federal government’s removal of nearly 600 books—including Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: Young Adult Edition, co-authored by Davey D and Jeff Chang—from Department of Defense-run school libraries.
The Bigger Picture
Sykes draws a direct line between executive orders issued by the Trump administration and an aggressive purge of materials deemed connected to DEI, gender identity, and so-called “divisive concepts.” He explains how keyword searches—rather than thoughtful review—were used to yank hundreds of titles from circulation, many centering women, LGBTQ voices, and communities of color.
Free Speech Under Siege
Sykes outlines how the ACLU differentiates between broad ideas of free expression and the legal scope of First Amendment protections. He underscores that the First Amendment shields private speech from government censorship—not private moderation by platforms like Twitter. The current censorship campaign, he argues, is a clear violation of constitutional rights and part of a broader authoritarian push to whitewash history and suppress dissent.
Court Battles & Legal Strategy
The ACLU has successfully challenged similar laws in states like Florida and New Hampshire, particularly where public universities faced restrictions on curriculum. Sykes details how the federal government, in the current case, is arguing that it has unchecked authority to pull any material in the name of compliance with the Commander-in-Chief—a stance the courts have not yet upheld.
What’s at Stake
Davey D and Sykes explore how legal definitions—like those attempting to equate criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism—could pave the way for dangerous precedents that criminalize dissent. They warn that the broader implications could extend to banning speech critical of police, the military, or U.S. institutions under the guise of “protecting” certain groups.
Call to Action
Sykes urges listeners to stay vigilant in their communities—whether in schools, workplaces, or local governments. He stresses the importance of pushing back on censorship at the local level and supporting organizations that are fighting for civil liberties nationwide.
Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.