Massachusetts Democrats are spearheading the proposal “An Act regarding free expression,” to counter what they describe as “politically motivated book bans” by advancing legislation that would establish uniform standards for challenging books in both school and public libraries.
The bipartisan proposal is backed by 18 Democratic lawmakers and three Republicans. The measure is designed to strengthen protections for librarians and other library staff responsible for selecting materials, while also creating statewide criteria governing the process for removing books from library collections. Democrats hold a commanding majority in the Massachusetts legislature.
“The legislation requires that school library materials be age-appropriate, serve an educational purpose, and be chosen based on a teacher or librarian’s professional training—leaving aside personal or political views which could affect their decision to place the book on the shelf,” bill co-sponsor state Sen. Jason Lewis said in a Nov. 17 press release.
Under the bill, school districts and charter schools would be required to adopt written policies—modeled on standards from the American Library Association—outlining how materials are selected and how challenges are handled. Public libraries would face similar requirements, including making their policies publicly available and reporting book challenges to state authorities.
The legislation specifies that school library materials could only be removed after “a vote by the school committee following notice, a public hearing and a finding by a review committee of school personnel, appointed by the school committee and the superintendent, that the material is devoid of any educational, literary, artistic, personal or social value or is not age appropriate for any child who attends the school,” according to the bill.
“In our increasingly polarized society, protecting freedom of expression and the right to read are of paramount importance,” Lewis said. “Malicious and politically motivated book bans are being used to silence the voices and stories of diverse and underrepresented authors in our communities, but this bill passed by the Senate establishes clear policies and transparent review processes to defend literature and freedom of thought from political attacks.”