The Canadian province of Alberta has paused its controversial book ban policy after schools removed classic novels such as The Handmaid's Tale and 1984 from libraries, sparking widespread criticism.
Premier Danielle Smith announced a temporary pause on Tuesday to allow officials to rewrite the rules, which were set to take effect on 1 October. The policy, which targets explicit sexual content in school libraries, had been criticised for its ambiguity, leading to the removal of hundreds of books.
Edmonton's school board compiled a list of more than 200 books it believed must be removed to comply, including dystopian works like Brave New World, The Color Purple, and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Author Margaret Atwood mocked the ban on social media, noting Albertans are 'pretty independent-minded'.
Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides told boards to pause restrictions 'until further notice'. Premier Smith said the pause would allow for clarification, stressing that the aim is to remove 'graphic pornographic images' while leaving classics on shelves.
