CONCORD, NH – Today, the New Hampshire House of Representatives passed HB 1311, 194-180. The “Students’ Freedom to Read Bill” requires school boards to adopt transparent processes for addressing and resolving requests to remove materials while protecting the right of students to see themselves represented in their school libraries and media centers, regardless of gender identity, race, sexual orientation, or ability.
Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, provided the following statement after the vote:
“Educators and parents know that magical moment when a student connects with a book. The “Students’ Freedom to Read Bill” will help ensure New Hampshire children have access to diverse stories that provide them with different perspectives and help them see how others think and feel.
NEA-New Hampshire urges the New Hampshire Senate to join their House colleagues in support of HB 1311, which balances the rights of students, families, and educators while preserving local control and guaranteeing due process for concerned families.”
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About NEA-New Hampshire
NEA-New Hampshire is the largest union of public employees in the state. Founded in 1854, the New Hampshire State Teachers Association became one of the “founding ten” state education associations that formed the National Education Association in 1857. Known today as NEA-NH, and comprised of more than 17,000 members, our mission to advocate for the children of New Hampshire and public-school employees, and to promote lifelong learning, remains true after more than 165 years. Our members are public school employees in all stages of their careers, including classroom teachers and other certified professionals, staff and instructors at public higher education institutions, students preparing for a teaching career, education support personnel and those retired from the profession.