New Jersey has joined a small list of states that have managed to enact statewide legislation to protect NJ libraries from the threats posed by right-wing extremists. On Dec. 9, Gov. Phil Murphy signed Bill S2421/A3446, titled the Freedom to Read Act, into law.
In a statement released to the press, Murphy said, “The Freedom to Read Act cements New Jersey’s role on the forefront of preventing book bans and protecting the intellectual freedom of our educators and students. Across the nation, we have seen attempts to suppress and censor the stories and experiences of others. I’m proud to amplify the voices of our past and present, as there is no better way for our children to prepare for the future than to read freely.”
In addition to other provisions, the bill prohibits removing books based on “origin, background, or views” reasoning, and make library staff immune to civil and criminal liability for decisions they make in good faith.
The bill’s primary sponsor in the State Senate, Andrew Zwicker (D-Middlesex), was one of many dignitaries and supporters who attended the signing ceremony at the Princeton Public Library. In a prepared statement, Zwicker said, “Public and school libraries have come under attack by a small number of individuals hoping to erase diverse materials from bookshelves, usually targeting works focused on race and LGBTQ+ themes. Today, New Jersey stands firmly in defense of the freedom to read and the importance of inclusive educational spaces. A library is a place of voluntary inquiry and provides equitable access to learning resources. Today, we ensure that every New Jerseyan has the freedom to choose what they want to read, and parents will continue to have the freedom to choose what their children read. But no one else gets to decide for you. That, quite simply, is the ‘Freedom to Read.’”
The bill faced fierce opposition from Republicans, but was shepherded through passage with the assistance and support of a wide coalition of pro-library and freedom to read organizations, including the EveryLibrary Institute, the New Jersey School Librarians Association, New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey Library Association, and the ACLU-New Jersey, among many others.
In a press release, EveryLibrary Institute’s Executive Director John Chrastka said, “The passage of the New Jersey Freedom to Read Act is a powerful statement that censorship has no place in a democratic society. It reaffirms the essential role of libraries as centers for voluntary inquiry, intellectual growth, and access to information.”
“At its core, the Freedom to Read Act will ensure that LGBTQIA+ youth see themselves reflected back in the pages of books, feel safe in our sacred libraries, & ensure that they can read freely to allow themselves to live openly. Representation matters & access is essential,” said Robert Martin Seda-Schreiber, Chief Activist of the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, who was in attendance at the signing ceremony.
Other states that have similar bills on the books include Delaware, Maryland, Illinois and Vermont. A similar bill was introduced in Pennsylvania, but has been stalled in committee for months.