New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the Freedom to Read Act, prohibiting book bans in public schools and libraries and protecting compliant librarians. This action counters a national trend of conservative efforts to restrict access to books, particularly those addressing LGBTQ+ issues and race, with over 10,000 books removed from schools this year alone, according to PEN America. The law, effective in one year, follows similar legislation in Illinois and Minnesota, and allows immediate implementation by state officials as needed. The new law aims to safeguard library integrity and foster critical thinking among students.
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New Jersey’s newly enacted Freedom to Read Act prohibits the removal of books from public libraries and schools based on content or author views, unless developmentally inappropriate for certain age groups. The law, signed by Governor Phil Murphy, protects intellectual freedom and counters a national trend of book bans, which disproportionately target books featuring people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. The act establishes a review process for addressing concerns about library materials and safeguards library staff from legal repercussions. This legislation ensures equitable access to learning resources and reinforces the right of individuals to choose their reading material.
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Governor Phil Murphy signed the Freedom to Read Act into law, protecting New Jersey librarians and prohibiting book bans in public schools and libraries. The legislation prevents censorship based on viewpoint or offense, except for age appropriateness, and shields librarians from lawsuits for complying with the law. This action directly counters a surge in book bans by Republican lawmakers, primarily targeting books on sexuality, gender, and race. New Jersey joins Minnesota and Illinois in enacting such protective legislation.
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As I sit here reading about the situation in Oklahoma, I can’t help but feel disbelief and outrage at the revocation of a teacher’s license for simply providing her students with a QR code to access a library in Brooklyn. The fact that state officials have spent two years working to pull her license seems like a gross abuse of power and a clear violation of her right to free speech and expression. It’s disheartening to see such vindictiveness and pettiness from those in positions of authority.
Summer Boismier’s decision to stand by her beliefs and refuse to apologize for sharing publicly available information with her students is commendable.… Continue reading
Utah outlaws books by Judy Blume and Sarah J Maas in first statewide ban. As I reflect on this disturbing decision, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of disappointment and outrage. To think that in the 21st century, books are being banned and destroyed in what can only be described as a modern-day form of book burning, is absolutely appalling.
The fact that books by Judy Blume and Sarah J Maas, two incredibly talented female authors, are being targeted is a clear indication of the deeply rooted issues at play here. The blatant disregard for freedom of speech and the important role that literature plays in shaping young minds is deeply troubling.… Continue reading
As a voracious reader and advocate for freedom of expression, the recent legislation passed in Minnesota fills my heart with joy. The fact that it is now illegal for Minnesota libraries to ban LGBTQ+ books is a monumental step towards true inclusivity and representation. Governor Tim Walz has shown exceptional leadership by signing this bill into law, emphasizing the importance of preserving history and rejecting censorship in our libraries. This new law not only protects the diverse voices within the LGBTQ+ community but also upholds the fundamental ideals of the First Amendment.
The key point of this legislation is to prevent the removal of books based solely on their content, message, or viewpoint.… Continue reading
As an individual who values education and intellectual freedom, the recent news about the West Virginia House passing a bill that allows for the prosecution of librarians is deeply troubling. The justification for this bill seems to be centered around the idea of protecting children from accessing obscene or pornographic material in public spaces. However, it is crucial to note that the real issue here is not about safeguarding children but rather about exerting control and stifling access to information.
The proposed criteria for determining what constitutes obscene material are vague and subjective, leaving room for interpretation that could potentially lead to censorship of legitimate literary, artistic, or scientific works.… Continue reading
Ron DeSantis Finally Admits War on Books Has Been a Total Disaster
Amidst the chaos and controversy that has surrounded Ron DeSantis and his administration in recent months, there seems to be a glimmer of self-awareness emerging from the Florida Governor. DeSantis, who has been embroiled in a battle over book bans in schools, has finally come to terms with the fact that his so-called War on Books has been a complete disaster.
Initially, DeSantis blamed “activists” on both the left and right for the chaos surrounding the banning of books in schools. He accused them of hijacking the process and creating a media narrative that was detrimental to his agenda.… Continue reading
Florida school asks parents for permission to have book by an African American author read to students. This headline caught my attention, and I couldn’t help but dive deeper into the issue. As an individual who values education and believes in equal opportunities for all, I found myself troubled by the context surrounding this situation.
Firstly, it is disheartening to see that a school in Florida felt the need to ask parents for permission to include a book by an African American author in their curriculum. The fact that this request was made solely based on the race of the author raises questions about the underlying biases that still persist in our society.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker