Gov. Hochul Vetoes Freedom to Read Act

ALBANY, NY – Gov. Hochul vetoed legislation that would have combatted censorship and book banning by giving school librarians the power to curate diverse, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate book selections for students. In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union issued the following statement, attributable to Executive Director Donna Lieberman:

“At a time when right-wing extremists are trying to purge libraries nationwide, Governor Hochul failed to step up to defend our rights. The Governor’s veto of the Freedom to Read Act is a missed opportunity to combat censorship in New York and solidify students’ right to read free from viewpoint discrimination.

“Across New York, extremists are working around the clock to ban books about race or racism, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights — defying constitutional principles and eroding the values of public education. But instead of supporting the needs of students, teachers, librarians, and education advocates, Gov. Hochul prioritized the interests of pro-censorship extremists who are trying to dictate which ideas our students can and cannot engage with.

“Schools should be havens where students can safely explore new ideas, read stories that reflect their lives, and take a look into other worlds. With this ill-advised, disappointing veto, the Governor has failed our public school students and their parents.”