NJ Enacts Law Barring Book Bans in Libraries
The Facts
Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday signed the "Freedom to Read Act" into law, making New Jersey the third US state after Illinois and Minnesota to enact legislation prohibiting book bans in public and school libraries.
The law prevents libraries from excluding books based on the "origin, background, or views of the material or its authors," while allowing restrictions for "developmentally inappropriate material for certain age groups."
Under the new legislation, local school boards and library governing bodies must establish policies for book curation and for addressing concerns about library materials.
The Spin
Left narrative
This legislation represents a necessary protection against censorship and ensures equal access to diverse perspectives in public education. The law strengthens parental rights by allowing families to make their own determinations about appropriate reading materials. Book bans often target marginalized voices and perspectives that challenge the status quo.
Right narrative
This law eliminates crucial protections that keep inappropriate content away from children in educational settings. School libraries should remain focused on learning without controversial materials that could distract from education. The legislation irresponsibly removes accountability for distributing obscene content to minors.
