TRENTON, NJ — It could soon be illegal for school districts and librarians to remove inappropriate books from school libraries under a new law introduced by Democrats in Trenton.
The New Jersey Assembly Education Committee has favorably reported on the Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Bill No. 3446, known as the “Freedom to Read Act.”
This legislation, dated June 6, 2024, aims to establish essential guidelines and protections regarding library materials in both public school and public libraries.
The “Freedom to Read Act” requires boards of education and public library governing boards to adopt policies concerning the selection and retention of library materials.
These policies must be developed in consultation with various educational and library associations, including a model policy to be crafted by the Commissioner of Education and the State Librarian.
Key aspects of the legislation include procedures for handling requests to remove materials, ensuring that such decisions are carefully considered and documented. Importantly, the act mandates that no library materials should be excluded based on the origins, views, or backgrounds of their creators, nor should libraries engage in censorship.
Additionally, the bill provides legal immunity for library staff acting in good faith under these new regulations. Definitions within the bill clarify what constitutes “library material” and “diverse and inclusive material,” emphasizing the inclusion of perspectives from various protected classes as outlined in the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.
The “Freedom to Read Act” seeks to protect the rights of students and residents to access a broad range of library resources, promoting educational diversity and inclusivity while safeguarding librarians and educational professionals from potential repercussions of their stewardship.
