Librarian Fired in LGBTQ Books Dispute to Receive $700,000 Settlement: This is a pretty hefty sum, isn’t it? Seven hundred thousand dollars is nothing to sneeze at, especially when it’s coming as a settlement in a case involving censorship and the rights of people to access information. You have to imagine it’s a win, on some level. It’s a financial vindication for the librarian, Terri Lesley, who stood her ground and defended the books in her library that were under fire.
The core of the matter, as I understand it, revolves around the conflict over books featuring LGBTQ themes and content in the library.… Continue reading
Twelve students are suing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the head of the Pentagon school system for violating their First Amendment rights through widespread book bans targeting titles on race and gender. The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU, alleges that this censorship, stemming from Trump-era executive orders, harms students’ education and access to critical information. The bans affect DoDEA schools globally, impacting curriculum and even yearbook content. The plaintiffs seek the immediate reinstatement of removed books and curriculum materials.
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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth faced protests during a visit to U.S. European Command headquarters, with approximately two dozen military families booing and chanting “DEI” in response to his recent policies. These policies include a ban on certain books in DOD schools and a halt to gender transition procedures for service members. The protest, considered highly unusual, highlights the significant backlash against the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the military. Hegseth’s confirmation itself was controversial, marked by protests and a tie-breaking vote in the Senate.
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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
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker