Democratic New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill Monday that protects librarians and prohibits public schools and libraries from banning books. The move comes as Republican state lawmakers are banning a record number of books, many of which deal with themes of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender identity. and racial injustice.
Surrounded by educators, librarians, and other advocates, Murphy signed A.3446/S.2421, known as the Freedom to Read Act, at the Princeton Public Library.
“The Freedom to Read Act strengthens New Jersey’s role on the front lines of preventing book bans and protecting the intellectual freedom of educators and students,” Murphy said. “Across the country, we have seen attempts to suppress and censor the stories and experiences of others. I am proud to amplify the voices of our past and present because our children Because there’s no better way to prepare for the future.” Feel free to read it. ”
According to a statement from Murphy’s office:
The law prohibits school boards and public library boards from excluding books based on the source, background, or views of the material or author. Additionally, boards of education and public library governing boards may not restrict access to developmentally inappropriate materials based on differences in viewpoints, ideas, or concepts, or if individuals find certain content objectionable. You are prohibited from censoring library materials simply because you feel that you should. specific age group.
The law also “provides for protection of library personnel from civil and criminal proceedings related to compliance with this law.”
“The Freedom to Read Act recognizes the professionalism, honor, work ethic, and performance of school and public library employees,” said Karen Grant, president of the New Jersey School Library Association. “We recognize the many roles that libraries play.” Libraries are involved in students’ lives. ”
“This bill protects students’ intellectual freedom and recognizes school libraries as centers of self-directed inquiry that foster student growth and development,” Grant added. “Additionally, we appreciate the broad support for this bill from so many organizations.”
“Governor Murphy just made it clear that censorship loses and freedom wins in New Jersey,” said Christian Fuscarino, executive director of one such group, Garden State Equality.
“At a time when access to diverse and inclusive resources is under attack across the country, this bill sends a powerful message that New Jersey is resolutely committed to protecting intellectual freedom and fostering a culture of understanding and inclusion. ,” Fuscarino added.
The New Jersey law comes amid a nearly three-fold increase in the number of books banned or challenged by Republican state lawmakers and right-wing groups in the past year, and PEN America estimates that such books will be banned or challenged during the 2023-24 school year. It counts over 10,000 books. The number of titles last year was 3,362.
With Murphy’s signature, New Jersey joins Minnesota and Illinois in passing state legislation to counter the Republican book ban movement.
As the Chicago Tribune reported on Sunday, “many school districts, many in very conservative areas of southern and central Illinois,” are using state aid rather than adopting the book ban principle. giving up money.
