1. United States
2. S.D.
3. Letter

I urge you to oppose HB 1239, a bill that threatens intellectual freedom, undermines the role of educators and librarians, and places unnecessary restrictions on public access to information. This bill would remove legal protections for employees of schools, universities, museums, and libraries, exposing them to criminal liability for materials that are deemed “obscene” or “harmful” to minors. The vague and subjective nature of these terms creates a dangerous precedent for censorship, leading to self-censorship among educators and restricting students’ exposure to diverse ideas and literature. If HB 1239 passes, libraries may be forced to limit or eliminate minors’ independent access to books, weakening their role as centers for learning and exploration. Furthermore, the bill’s chilling effect on education could hinder students’ ability to develop critical thinking skills and engage with important, age-appropriate discussions. South Dakota should be fostering an environment where students and communities have the freedom to read, learn, and explore ideas, not creating unnecessary barriers that restrict access to information. I urge you to stand against HB 1239 and vote to protect our libraries, schools, and educators. Thank you for standing up for intellectual freedom and protecting the rights of South Dakotans.