Book bans in American public schools are on the rise, increasing by 33% over the 2022-23 school year compared with the previous year, according to nonprofit PEN America. And diversity, equity and inclusion education is under attack—just last month in Florida, the Board of Governors banned public funding of DEI programs across state universities.

A new campaign from agency Wieden+Kennedy New York and Courageous Conversation Global Foundation highlights the dangers of such bans and censorship, particularly to marginalized communities. “America Erased” aims to spark a movement defending students’ freedom to learn about their country’s complete history.  

The project comprises three parts. A film, directed by Omar Jones through production company Riff Raff Films, questions how a country that claims to value liberty and bravery can erase voices such as Dr. Martin Luther King and Ruby Bridges from classrooms and textbooks.

“When the land of the free censors the stories we teach, we erase values we believe in,” the voiceover says. “Without those, we are nothing but an America erased.”

Posters illustrate significant historic moments with figures such as Dr. King erased from the picture. There is also a website, AmericaErased.us, with resources that help people get involved, whether through purchasing a banned book or joining a coalition to support parents and teachers. 

Donovan Triplett, strategy director at W+K New York, told ADWEEK the goal with “America Erased” is to shift the conversation from hot-button topics such as critical race theory, which is often the focus of this debate, to generally defending students’ freedom to learn. The campaign targets “parents who fall somewhere in the middle of the conversation,” he explained.