New Jersey just banned book bans with Freedom to Read Act

New Jersey has officially banned book bans.

Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy has signed into law the Freedom to Read Act, which prohibits boards of education and governing boards of public libraries from removing books based on the "origin, background, or views of the material or of its authors," preventing public institutions from "censoring library material solely because an individual finds certain content offensive, unless they are restricting access to developmentally inappropriate material for certain age groups."

“The Freedom to Read Act cements New Jersey’s role on the forefront of preventing book bans and protecting the intellectual freedom of our educators and students," Murphy said in a statement. "Across the nation, we have seen attempts to suppress and censor the stories and experiences of others. 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 law establishes guidelines for the removal of library materials, including facilitating the creation of a system of review to address concerns. It also protects library staff members against civil and criminal lawsuits for providing uninhibited access to content under the law.

Over 10,000 books were removed from school shelves in the 2023-2024 school year, according to a September report from PEN America, tripling from the previous year. The organization found that 44 percent of banned books featured people and characters of color, and 39 percent featured LGBTQ+ people and characters.

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“Public and school libraries have come under attack by a small number of individuals hoping to erase diverse materials from bookshelves, usually targeting works focused on race and LGBTQ+ themes," said Senator Andrew Zwicker, a primary sponsor of the bill. "Today, New Jersey stands firmly in defense of the freedom to read and the importance of inclusive educational spaces.”

“A library is a place of voluntary inquiry and provides equitable access to learning resources. Today, we ensure that every New Jerseyan has the freedom to choose what they want to read, and parents will continue to have the freedom to choose what their children read," Zwicker continued. "But no one else gets to decide for you. That, quite simply, is the ‘Freedom to Read.’”