NJ Enacts Law Barring Book Bans in Libraries
Above: New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy Image copyright: Jeenah Moon/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
This legislation represents a necessary protection against censorship and ensures equal access to diverse perspectives in public education. The law strengthens parental rights by allowing families to make their own determinations about appropriate reading materials. Book bans often target marginalized voices and perspectives that challenge the status quo.
Right narrative
This law eliminates crucial protections that keep inappropriate content away from children in educational settings. School libraries should remain focused on learning without controversial materials that could distract from education. The legislation irresponsibly removes accountability for distributing obscene content to minors.