Massachusetts Bill Aims to Shield Books From Removal Amid National Surge in bans
BOSTON, MA – A bill currently before the Massachusetts legislature, House Bill H.3591, seeks to protect the freedom to read by safeguarding books and educational materials from removal based on anticipated legal challenges or political pressure. The legislation arrives as book bans reach unprecedented levels across the United States, with 97% of challenged books facing removal due to “fear of” future legislation or noncompliance, rather then existing law, according to PEN America.
The proposed act would establish state protections against the growing trend of book banning, a practice increasingly linked to broader struggles for free speech, free press, and academic freedom. Advocates say the bill is a crucial step in resisting efforts to restrict access to diverse perspectives, particularly those of marginalized voices. As explained by Deborah Levy, a proponent of the bill, its passage has faced hurdles not due to strong opposition, but a “lack of political will” in previous legislative sessions.
The surge in book bans nationwide is impacting students and educators, limiting access to a wide range of literature and educational resources. According to PEN America,the majority of these bans target books dealing with LGBTQ+ themes and those addressing race and racism. H.3591 aims to counter this trend by preventing the removal of books based on partisan objections or the anticipation of future legal challenges.
Massachusetts residents can directly influence the bill’s fate by contacting their state representatives and urging them to support H.3591. The Massachusetts Freedom to Read Coalition provides email and postcard templates to facilitate constituent outreach. Even those living outside of Massachusetts can participate by contacting representatives as temporary residents or by researching and supporting similar “Freedom to Read” acts in their home states, as well as engaging in local elections at the state and school district levels.
“In this moment when legislation is pending, it’s a great time to take a moment of action for this and know that you’re really taking a concrete step that could make a real difference,” Levy stated, emphasizing the potential impact of individual action. The bill’s passage would signal a strong commitment to intellectual freedom and ensure that Massachusetts students have access to a diverse range of ideas and perspectives.
