State Legislature Passes Freedom To Read Act

The bill fights book bans and classroom censorship by requiring clear, robust protocols for any potential book challenge

NEW YORK, NY – Today the New York State Legislature passed the Freedom to Read Act, legislation that requires school districts to adopt clear, rigorous protocols for handling book challenges, prohibits the removal of books based on ideological viewpoint, and ensures protections for librarians and educators. The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) has 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, today the New York State Legislature took powerful action to defend students’ right to read. By establishing robust protocols for book challenges and prohibiting anyone from banning books based on viewpoint, the Freedom to Read Act makes clear that here in New York, students’ right to learn free from censorship is no longer up for debate.

“New York is no exception to our nation’s growing censorship crisis. From Staten Island to Buffalo, we’ve seen school dumpsters filled with books about immigrants, stories by Black authors discarded, library orders canceled over content about racism and slavery, and even librarians facing harassment and discipline for keeping books on the shelves. These efforts to ban books threaten students’ rights and erode the foundations of public education.

“We cheer the passage of the Freedom to Read Act and urge the Governor to sign it into law without delay. All students deserve the chance to read stories that reflect their lives and open their minds and hearts.”

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