New Jersey’s Princeton.The Freedom to Read Act, which upholds intellectual freedom and shields public and school libraries throughout New Jersey against capricious book restrictions, was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy on Monday at the Princeton Public Library.
The law, technically known as A3446/S2421, mandates that school boards and public library governing bodies establish guidelines for selecting and evaluating library resources, guaranteeing that content disputes are resolved in a uniform manner. Unless materials are considered developmentally inappropriate for particular age groups, it forbids censorship motivated by disagreements over ideas, perspectives, or subject matter. It also forbids the exclusion of publications based on the origins or opinions of their writers or content.
The measure would meet the governor’s pledge to provide a diverse selection of books at public institutions and would make it more difficult for librarians and advocacy groups to reject books on delicate or age-inappropriate subjects.
According to Murphy, the Freedom to Read Act solidifies New Jersey’s position as a leader in opposing book bans and defending the intellectual freedom of our teachers and students. The stories and experiences of others have been censored and suppressed across the country. Since free reading is the best way to prepare our kids for the future, I’m honored to elevate the voices of our history and present.
Additionally, the law protects school employees and librarians from criminal and civil culpability when they carry out its provisions. Kevin Dehmer, Acting Education Commissioner, emphasized the significance of the Freedom to Read Act, saying it shows our dedication to the high standards of education that characterize our state.
Senator Andrew Zwicker and Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, who supported the bill, highlighted the importance of libraries as venues for fair access to a variety of viewpoints. According to Zwicker, a few people have attacked public and school libraries in an effort to remove a variety of books off the shelves. New Jersey is now a strong advocate for both the value of inclusive learning environments and the right to read.
In the face of a nationwide wave of book bans, New Jersey’s enactment of the measure places the state at the forefront of the fight to protect libraries and intellectual freedom.
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