GLSEN Praises Minnesota, Colorado and Vermont for Restricting Book Banning
For Immediate Release: June 3, 2024
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GLSEN Praises Minnesota, Colorado and Vermont for Restricting Book Banning
June 3, 2024 – In a powerful move to uphold intellectual freedom and ensure access to inclusive and affirming materials in public libraries, including school libraries, Minnesota, Colorado and Vermont have passed legislation restricting book banning. These states join California, Illinois, Maryland, and Washington State in a collective effort to safeguard the freedom to read and promote inclusivity.
Pressure groups in 2023 increasingly targeted public libraries, with the number of titles subject to censorship rising by a staggering 92% over the previous year, accounting for about 46% of all book challenges. School libraries also faced heightened scrutiny, with an 11% increase in challenges compared to 2022.
On May 17th, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed SF3567, an education omnibus bill that set forth guidelines for the selection and management of books and library materials in public libraries, schools, and higher education institutions. The law ensures library staff have control over the book and material selection process, and prohibits the removal of titles written by or about LGBTQ people and/or people of color. The bill takes effect immediately.
On Friday, May 31st, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed SB24-216 into law. This legislation establishes clear criteria and guidelines for the selection, removal, and restriction of library resources in public libraries and schools. The bill prohibits censorship based on content, ensuring that libraries remain inclusive. Additionally, it mandates public input and an appeals process for contested decisions, reinforcing the commitment to intellectual freedom. The bill takes effect immediately.
Similarly, on May 28th, the Vermont legislature passed S.220 and transmitted the bill to Governor Phil Scott. This new law sets guidelines for the selection and management of school library materials, explicitly prohibiting the banning or removal of books based on their content or viewpoints. S.220 ensures that school libraries provide diverse and inclusive resources and includes provisions for public input and an appeals process to address concerns about library materials. The Governor had 5 days to act on the bill before it became law without his signature on June 3rd. Sections of the bill will take effect between July 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025.
"By passing these laws, Minnesota, Colorado and Vermont are taking a definitive stand against censorship and in favor of educational freedom," said Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, Executive Director of GLSEN. "We know that an inclusive school curriculum acts as a window for young people into the diverse world around them, as well as a mirror to reflect their own experiences and identities. These legislative victories ensure that all students have the opportunity to see themselves represented in the books they read."
According to GLSEN's National School Climate Survey, only four in ten students who attended school in person reported that they could find books or information on LGBTQ+-related topics, such as LGBTQ+ history, in their school library. Research shows that learning about LGBTQ+ history and people benefits all students, fostering a more inclusive and understanding school environment.
GLSEN's Rainbow Library program further supports this mission by sending LGBTQ+ affirming K-12 text sets to schools across select states for free. To date, the program has sent 76,000 books, reaching more than 6.3 million students across the country.
With these new laws, Minnesota, Colorado and Vermont are leading the charge in the fight against censorship, joining a growing list of states committed to protecting the freedom to read. This collective action underscores a national movement to ensure that libraries continue to serve as inclusive spaces that champion intellectual freedom and diverse perspectives.
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About GLSEN
GLSEN is a leading multi-racial, intergenerational organization dedicated to creating safe and inclusive educational environments for LGBTQ+ students in the United States. Since its inception in 1990, GLSEN has worked at national, state, and local levels to transform educational systems and foster a culture of respect and inclusion. Each year, GLSEN's comprehensive programs and resources impact millions of students and educators, advocating for policies and practices that protect and support LGBTQ+ youth.