CONCORD, NH – Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte vetoed HB 324, which would have banned books in New Hampshire public schools and criminalized educators, 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. This bill would have gone far beyond parental opt-out by potentially imposing one parent’s objections on other families.
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 veto:
“Every student deserves to see themselves reflected in the pages of their books. NEA-New Hampshire applauds Governor Ayotte for standing up for the freedom to read in New Hampshire. We hope this book ban bill veto represents a changing tide at the State House and call on lawmakers to listen to Granite Staters who overwhelmingly oppose classroom censorship efforts.”
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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.
