Freedom to Read Act
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) issued guidance to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in implementing the Freedom to Read Act (N.J.S.A. 18A:34A-1, et seq.) signed into law on December 9, 2024. This legislation affirms the right of students, educators, and communities to access diverse and age-appropriate learning materials in school libraries.
Key Requirements for LEAs:
1. Policy Development: Each LEA must develop or revise policies governing:
- The selection and curation of library materials
- A transparent review process for addressing concerns about materials including requests for removal of library material within a school library.
- Click here to review district policy.
2. Non-Discrimination Clause: Policies must prohibit the exclusion of library materials based on:
- The origin, background, or views of the material or its author.
- Disagreement with a viewpoint, unless the material is developmentally inappropriate for a specific age group.
3. Staff Protections: Library staff are protected from civil or criminal liability when acting in accordance with the law.
4. Collaboration Encouraged: LEAs are encouraged to work with school librarians, educators, and community stakeholders to ensure policies reflect local needs and uphold intellectual freedom.
If you would like to submit an objection to a district library text, please read the form linked below and follow the corresponding directions.