Photo: Getty Images
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the Freedom to Read Act into law on Monday (December 9), aiming to prevent book bans in public and school libraries across the state. The legislation, signed at the Princeton Public Library, prohibits boards of education and library boards from excluding books based on the origin, background, or views of the material or its authors. It also protects librarians from civil and criminal charges when complying with the law.
The new law requires local school boards and library governing bodies to establish policies for the curation and removal of library materials, ensuring a fair review process for addressing concerns. Governor Murphy emphasized the importance of intellectual freedom, stating, "There is no better way for our children to prepare for the future than to read freely."
According to the State of New Jersey, the Freedom to Read Act also aims to protect the integrity of libraries curated by dedicated professionals, ensuring access to diverse ideas and perspectives. The law has been praised by librarians and educators for safeguarding intellectual freedom and promoting a culture of understanding and inclusion.
New Jersey joins other Democrat-led states like Illinois and Minnesota in enacting similar legislation to counteract book bans seen in some Republican-leaning states. The law is seen as a significant step in protecting the rights of students, educators, and communities to access a wide range of learning materials and perspectives.