St. Paul, MN – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives re-passed the education policy conference committee report, as amended, on a 68-59 vote. The measure builds on last year’s historic education budget by prioritizing policies to improve student experiences of students and academic outcomes in Minnesota schools.
A key piece of the policy package includes language from, HF4373, authored by Representative Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope), a bill prohibiting 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 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,” said Rep. Frazier. “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.”
Video of the House Floor session can be found on the House Info YouTube Page. Materials from the conference committee can be found here.
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