Overview:
Governor Phil Murphy signed the Freedom to Read Act, ensuring access to diverse, age-appropriate books in New Jersey schools and libraries while safeguarding intellectual freedom and librarians’ rights.
PRINCETON, N.J. — New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the Freedom to Read Act into law on Monday, reinforcing New Jersey’s stance against book bans and ensuring access to diverse and age-appropriate materials in schools and public libraries. The bill signing at Princeton Public Library brought together advocates, educators, and legislative sponsors committed to protecting intellectual freedom.
“The Freedom to Read Act cements New Jersey’s role at the forefront of preventing book bans and protecting the intellectual freedom of our educators and students. Across the nation, we have seen attempts to suppress and censor the stories and experiences of others,” said Governor Murphy., “I’m proud to amplify the voices of our past and present, as there is no better way for our children to prepare for the future than to read freely.
The Act mandates that school boards and public library governing bodies establish transparent policies for curating and removing library materials. It also bars the exclusion or censorship of books based on the origin, background, or viewpoints of their authors or content unless deemed developmentally inappropriate for certain age groups—additionally, the legislation shields library staff from civil and criminal lawsuits when complying with these guidelines.
“Part of our responsibility as educators and education policymakers is to empower students by providing access to diverse ideas, knowledge, and perspectives,” said Acting Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer. “The Freedom to Read Act demonstrates our commitment to the educational excellence that defines our state. Through this legislation, we are protecting the integrity of our libraries that are curated by dedicated professionals and making those resources available to help every student to grow as a critical thinker.”
Championing Intellectual Freedom
The Freedom to Read Act’s primary sponsors include Senator Andrew Zwicker, Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis, Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter, and Assemblyman Herb Conaway Jr., who all highlighted the importance of safeguarding access to literature amid national debates over book censorship.
“Our libraries are a sacred community resource, not a place for censorship. The materials they offer should not be restricted based on partisan views or revisionist history,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. “Libraries often provide the foundation for children’s education and become incubators of ideas. We must protect these critical institutions and the librarians who provide information that is instrumental in shaping young minds.”
Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis underscored the law’s structured, transparent review process, which ensures parents maintain their right to decide what their children read while preventing others from imposing restrictions on broader access.
A Collaborative Effort
The legislation received widespread support from educators, librarians, and advocacy groups. Jennifer R. Nelson, New Jersey State Librarian, praised the law for addressing community-specific needs while upholding intellectual freedom. The New Jersey Association of School Librarians and the New Jersey Library Association echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the law’s role in protecting libraries from politically motivated censorship.
“Governor Murphy just made it clear: in New Jersey, censorship loses, and freedom wins. At a time when access to diverse and inclusive materials is under attack across the nation, this legislation sends a powerful message that New Jersey will stand firm in protecting intellectual freedom and fostering a culture of understanding and inclusion,” said Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality. “Every student and community member in New Jersey has the right to access age-appropriate library materials without fear of censorship or harassment. Garden State Equality extends our heartfelt gratitude to Senate Majority Leaders Teresa Ruiz and Senator Andrew Zwicker for their leadership and to co-sponsors Senators McKnight, McKeon, Smith, Mukherji, Stack, and Burgess for championing this critical initiative to protect the rights of our educators, librarians, and the communities they serve.”
Advocates also celebrated the law’s broader societal impact. During the first half of the 2022-23 school year, PEN America’s Index of School Book Bans lists 1,477 instances of individual books banned, affecting 874 unique titles, an increase of 28 percent compared to the prior six months. According to research, book bans are more prevalent in Texas, Florida, Missouri, Utah, and South Carolina. The implications of bans in these five states are far-reaching, as policies and practices are modeled and replicated across the country.
New Jersey has over 1,321,709 students enrolled in K-12 schools, with 2,312 schools in 546 school districts. This law is expected to set a precedent for promoting access to diverse materials while respecting local communities’ needs.