NJASL Statement on Supporting NJ S2421/A3446, The Freedom to Read Bill

The New Jersey Association of School Librarians(NJASL) supports NJ S2421/A3446, the Freedom to Read bill, sponsored by Senators Andrew Zwicker and Teresa Ruiz and co-sponsored by Senator Angela McKnight. The bill is a comprehensive, affirmative bill that would protect the right to read in libraries across New Jersey.

In the past several years, there has been a growing number of coordinated attempts of censorship and suppression in school libraries in New Jersey with many of those challenges targeting materials and programs that address race, racism, sexuality, gender identity and expression. S2421/A3446 recognizes that the freedom to read is a human right, constitutionally protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The bill provides for examples of model materials selection and reconsideration policies for both public and school libraries that can be adapted according to the needs of their local community. The legislation would also protect librarians from being sued for doing their jobs and provides recourse for civil action against those who harass them.
S2421/A3446 recognizes librarians as the trained professionals to select resources for their communities based on their professional integrity. School libraries statewide would have uniform guidelines to evaluate book challenges, and only people with a “vested interest” in the school or community library, such as a parent, student, or resident, would be allowed to request a book’s removal. Additionally, S2421/A3446 would provide protections for library staff who are simply doing their jobs: providing access to a range of reading materials appropriate for meeting New Jersey Student Learning Standards as well as curriculum objectives by creating a collection that meets the needs of diverse communities.
The New Jersey Association of School Librarians is thankful to the sponsors Senators Andrew Zwicker and Teresa Ruiz and co-sponsor, Senator Angela McKnight, for the Freedom to Read bill that showcases their strong commitment to all New Jersey students’ right to read and their commitment to strong New Jersey school libraries. S2421/A3446 recognizes the professionalism, honor, work ethics and performance of school library staff who provide access to books and other library resources and services for the interest, information, education, and enlightenment of all people within the communities they serve. NJASL urges the members of the NJ legislature to sign on as co-sponsors of this bill as it supports a healthy democratic society and helps to ensure that school libraries have materials to support student learning across the curriculum.

The New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL) is the only statewide organization for school librarians in New Jersey. The organization advocates for high standards in school librarianship and school library media programs in public, private and parochial schools in New Jersey with the goal of inspiring student learning.