NYCLU Cheers State Legislature Passage of Freedom To Read Act

NEW YORK, NY – In response to the surge of book bans across New York State, today the New York State Senate passed the Freedom to Read Act, a bill that gives school library staff the authority to curate diverse, inclusive, and developmentally-appropriate book selections that respect students’ rights to learn free from viewpoint discrimination. 

The New York Civil Liberties Union heavily advocated for the Freedom to Read Act, and in response to today’s passage, released the following statement, attributable to Emma Hulse, Education Counsel:

“As extremist book bans surge nationwide, the New York State Legislature took a powerful stand to protect students’ right to read. By legally requiring school districts to maintain diverse and inclusive library collections, the Freedom to Read Act sends a clear message that students’ right to learn free from censorship or viewpoint discrimination is not up for debate. 

“New York is not immune to this growing crisis. Across the state, we’ve seen efforts to ban books about race, gender equality, and LGBTQ rights — books by Black authors discarded, library orders canceled over content about racism and slavery, and read-alouds featuring LGBTQIA+ characters shut down. These actions threaten students’ rights — and erode the foundations of public education.

“We applaud the passage of the Freedom to Read Act and urge the Governor to sign it into law without delay. Students deserve vibrant, inclusive schools where books are read, not banned — and where ideas are explored, not erased.”