freedom to read?
A4336/S2421 Misnamed "Freedom to Read"
Bill A3446 (ACS) passed through the New Jersey State Assembly on June 28, 2024 in a a partisan vote that left parents wondering what happened to common sense. Who will protect the children? Who will protect their innocence? Meanwhile, bill S2421 is yet to be heard by the Senate Education Committee and swapped for the new substitute bill already passed by the full Assembly.
What the Bill Does:
- Protects librarians and school staff from civil and criminal liability
- Ignores the existing NJ Obscenity Statute
- Requires school districts to adopt a "model policy," dictated by the NJ Department of Education, for the review of questionable materials. Allows no autonomy for school districts or local town libraries.
- Limits challenges on materials and permits the controversial items to remain available to students until resolved, without a specified timeframe
- Undermines parental authority
What the Bill Doesn't Do:
- Prioritize the safety and well being of children
- Hold librarians and library staff accountable for infractions of the NJ Obscenity Statute
Read IT for Yourself
NJ Obscenity Statute
Are these in your library?
Are these in your library?
Are these in your library?
Are these in your library?
Are these in your library?
