Promotes free expression and access of information by prohibiting the censorship of library materials.
Impact
If enacted, H5726 will significantly influence the operation of public and school libraries in the state. Libraries will be mandated to develop and employ a model policy that adheres to the principles laid out in the Act, ensuring protection against censorship. The bill also aims to preserve funding for libraries regardless of their compliance with these provisions, thereby supporting their autonomy and access to a broad spectrum of ideas.
Summary
House Bill H5726, known as 'The Freedom to Read Act', seeks to protect free expression and access to information by outlawing the censorship of library materials in public and school libraries across Rhode Island. The legislation establishes mandatory policies requiring libraries to create clear guidelines on how materials are selected and maintained, emphasizing the importance of protecting diverse viewpoints and preventing the suppression of materials based on their content or the identity of their creators. The Act mandates that any library materials challenged must remain available during the review process, ensuring continued access to information.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding H5726 appears to be largely supportive among proponents of free speech and access to information, such as library associations and educators. They view the bill as a necessary step towards safeguarding libraries as centers for inquiry and learning. However, potential contention arises from groups that may view the bill as overly permissive, raising concerns that unrestricted access to certain materials might conflict with community standards or parental expectations regarding age-appropriate content.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding H5726 include its implications for what constitutes appropriate library material versus potentially harmful content. Critics argue that while supporting free access to information is important, there needs to be a balance to prevent youth from accessing inappropriate materials. Debate is likely to center around how to define 'censoring' and how the review process for challenged materials should be executed, especially concerning local sensitivities and standards.
Encourages and protects the freedom of public libraries to acquire materials without limitations and prohibits materials being removed from public libraries due to partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
Encourages and protects the freedom of public libraries to acquire materials without limitations and prohibits materials being removed from public libraries due to partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
Requires every public school in Rhode Island to have a school library or library media center in a permanent and dedicated space available to students in grades K-12 with a librarian available.
Requires every public school in Rhode Island to have a school library or library media center in a permanent and dedicated space available to students in grades K-12 with a librarian available.
Enables parents to review public school learning materials/object if the parent decides that the material is harmful. Also a parent may withdraw their student from the activity or class where the material is used and request an alternative assignment.
Enables parents to review public school learning materials/object if the parent decides that the material is harmful. Also a parent may withdraw their student from the activity or class where the material is used and request an alternative assignment.
Senate Resolution Congratulating The West Warwick Public Library On Being A Finalist For The Third Year In A Row For The National Medal For Museum And Library Service From The Institute Of Museum And Library Services, And Being Named The Rhode Island "library Of The Year" By The Graduate School Of Library And Information Services At The University Of Rhode Island
Establishes, as an affirmative defense to the crimes of circulating obscene publications or shows and selling or exhibiting obscene publications to minors, the person’s employment status as an employee of a school, museum, or library.
In terms and courses of study, providing for prohibited review of curriculum, instructional materials and voluntary inquiry material in public school entities.
In terms and courses of study, providing for prohibited review of curriculum, instructional materials and voluntary inquiry material in public school entities.