CONCORD, NH – Today, the New Hampshire Senate voted on party lines in support of HB 324, which would ban books in New Hampshire public schools and criminalize teachers, librarians, and even school board members. The state already has an objectionable materials law for public schools that allows any parent to opt their child out of any required coursework, curriculum, or material. But, if signed into law by Governor Ayotte, this bill would go far beyond parental opt-out by potentially imposing one parent’s objections on others.
Recent polling conducted by the University of New Hampshire shows a majority of Granite Staters oppose these proposals.
Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire, provided the following statement after the vote:
“Every student deserves the freedom to read and to see themselves reflected in the pages of their books. But this book ban infringes upon the right to read for Granite State youth and could criminalize New Hampshire teachers, librarians, and even school board members.
While NEA-New Hampshire is discouraged that some anti-public education lawmakers continue to ignore their constituents who overwhelmingly oppose classroom censorship efforts, we remain hopeful that Governor Ayotte will listen to voters. Granite Staters overwhelmingly believe curriculum and classroom material decisions are best handled at the local level by the people who know their communities and schools best. When this book ban bill gets to Ayotte’s desk, we urge the Governor to veto HB 324!”
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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.