NJ moves to block book bans and protect librarians

As parent activists across the country Continue to challenge access to sexually explicit books in schools and public librariesNew Jersey has taken a step toward avoiding these conflicts and protecting librarians from legal trouble.

The state Senate on Monday passed the “Freedom to Read Act,” which requires the state Commissioner of Education to create policy that will determine how library materials are selected and how challenges are evaluated. Local school boards and library boards will use this model to adopt their own policies.

According to the bill, librarians would also be given legal immunity against legal and criminal challenges arising from book ban discussions. A3446.