As censorship attempts proliferate across the nation, Minnesota legislators are putting forth a firm response with proposed legislation that seeks to shield public and school libraries from book bans. This legislative effort emerges amidst a climate where book challenges, particularly those featuring or written by LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices, have seen a dramatic increase.
The bill, informally termed ‘a ban on book bans,’ would prohibit the banning of books based on their content, messages, or subjective objections. Representative Cedrick Frazier, a Democrat from New Hope and the author of the House bill, is at the forefront of this initiative. “I’ve got three daughters, and my goal as a parent is to make sure they’re critical thinkers,” Frazier said, underscoring the necessity of diversity in literature for developing independent and thoughtful future leaders.
The legislative proposal arrives against the backdrop of similar restrictions in other states, such as Texas and Florida. Minnesota’s bill has garnered support from several state officials, including Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who emphasizes the importance of students seeing themselves reflected in their education.
Governor Tim Walz has also voiced his unwavering backing for the bill, asserting that historical perspectives have never favored proponents of book bans. “Those who have asked for book bans have never been on the right side of history,” Walz stated, reinforcing the role of literature in promoting freedom and understanding.
The urgency of the situation is further highlighted by the American Library Association’s report, which documented 1,247 attempts to censor library materials in 2023, a significant jump from the previous year, with nearly half of the targeted titles representing LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices.
The bill’s provisions include not just preventing book bans but also setting criteria for book selection and allowing parents or guardians to request that their children not have access to certain materials—similar to the current policy on instructional materials.
Moreover, the legislation comes with teeth: it would permit individuals harmed by a violation of the book ban prohibition to seek injunctive relief and attorney fees through civil action, with potential civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.
In pushing back against the censorship wave, the bill delineates a “library bill of rights,” proclaiming public libraries as forums for information and ideas. It mandates adherence to specific principles, including the discretion of licensed library media specialists in deciding which books are available in schools.
The bill’s journey through the legislative process is underway, and its proponents are prepared for ongoing deliberations and potential amendments. However, the underlying message of the proposal remains steadfast: to safeguard the intellectual and developmental freedoms that libraries represent for the communities they serve.
Relevant articles:
– ‘Ban on book bans’ introduced in Minnesota Legislature
– Libraries may be prohibited from banning books due to viewpoints, ideas or opinions, Minnesota House of Representatives, Thu, 14 Mar 2024 02:15:43 GMT
– Minnesota House committee advances bill that would ban book bans in the state, CBS News, Wed, 13 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT
– Governor Walz supports proposed bill that would stop banning of books in Minnesota public schools and libraries, WCCO, Fri, 22 Mar 2024 13:36:59 GMT