Anti-book banning bill passes House

The Minnesota House of Representatives recently re-passed the Education Policy Committee report, as amended, on a 68-59 vote.

A key piece of the policy package includes language from, HF4373, a bill authored by Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope) which prohibits banning, removing, or otherwise restricting access to an otherwise age-appropriate book or other material from a school library based solely on the viewpoint, content, message, idea, or opinion conveyed.

A school’s governing body would need to adopt a policy that would establish procedures for the selection of and reconsideration of library materials. The policy could not impair or limit the rights of a parent, guardian or adult student to request a curriculum content challenge to the material.

“Banning books not only limits educational opportunities but also sends a chilling message that certain stories and experiences are unwelcome,” Frazier said. “In Minnesota, we are making sure our libraries and schools are a safe space for exploration and discovery, not places where knowledge is censored. Exposing young minds to a variety of perspectives, even those that challenge their own beliefs, is crucial for fostering social-emotional development as well as their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.”