Brown Speaks Out Against Burning of Books from Beachwood Library on House Floor

Washington, DC – During a floor speech this week, Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) spoke out against the recent burning of 100 books on Jewish, Black, and LGBTQ topics from the Beachwood branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library.

Congresswoman Brown connected this hateful incident to wider attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion taking place across America, including from national leaders. 

Brown’s remarks were part of a Congressional Black Caucus Special Order Hour she led on the topic of Erasing Black History on Monday evening. To view Congresswoman Brown’s full remarks click here.  

Brown’s remarks as delivered (Youtube): 

Last month in my district, a man checked out 100 books on Black, Jewish, and LGBTQ topics from the Beachwood Public Library.

He didn’t check out those books to read them. 

He checked them out to burn them. 

And he didn’t do it in secret.

Oh no. He didn’t hide behind in shame.

No.

He posted this on social media.

Because he wanted people to see. 

See, this kind of hate doesn’t happen in a vacuum. 

It’s part of a disturbing wave we’re seeing across the country. 

A wave fueled – sometimes with a wink and a nod, sometimes with a bullhorn—by leaders who should know better than to fan the flames of division for political gain. 

A wave normalized by the Secretary of Defense banning books about diversity and deleting pentagon websites highlighting the service of women, LGBTQ people, and minority servicemembers, including Major League Baseball legend Jackie Robinson. 

Mr. Speaker, what happened in my district isn’t just censorship—it is an act of hate, plain and simple. 

And I’ve joined leaders from across Northeast Ohio in condemning this act. 

These attempts to erase the voices of marginalized communities are an attack on the values of inclusion, empathy, and understanding.

You can only truly have a community with understanding. 

And to understand your neighbor – you have to understand history. 

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