Impact on Libraries
From the Memo:
To state it plainly, first amendment rights must be guarded for the student body even in cases where certain parents, community members, or school officials disapprove of the book. In Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free School District v. Pico, the Court noted that removal of books is constitutionally permitted only if it is done based on the educational appropriateness of the book, not because it was intended to deny students access to books with which school officials disagree.
Additionally, we recognize that there must be an appeals process in an instance where there are calls for removal or restriction of a book or educational resource because the educational value or age appropriateness of the material is in question. This legislation seeks to provide a more uniform and efficient process for those appeals, placing the responsibility for those reviews with a regional committee of instructional experts. This committee should include a cross section of qualified local teachers, librarians, principals, and administrators. This will allow for greater effectiveness of review, decrease hyper-politization, and relieve the administrative burden on the local school districts.
Actions
- Referred to House Education Committee June 26, 2023