freedom to read?

In December 2024, Governor Murphy signed into law the Freedom to Read Act. The School Board Association and the State Librarian are now authorized  to develop a model policy which includes several objectionable requirements as stipulated by the law.  For example, any material in question will remain accessible to students during the full review process.  

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.  Then bill S2421 passed through the Senate in late October 2024, later to be signed into law. Who will protect the children?  Who will protect their innocence?  

• 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

• Prioritize the safety and well being of children
  • Early exposure to developmentally inappropriate materials endangers all children
  • Pushing pornographic material is sexual exploitation and creates addiction             
• Hold librarians and library staff accountable for infractions of the NJ Obscenity Statute