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

I am writing to express my unwavering support for House Bill 4059, the "Freedom to Read Protections and Respect for School Library Media Specialist Autonomy Act." This pivotal legislation is essential for upholding the intellectual freedom of our students and preserving the professional integrity of our school library media specialists. Key Provisions of H. 4059: Recognition of Constitutional Rights: The bill acknowledges that the freedom to read is a constitutionally protected right under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Ensuring Student Access to Diverse Materials: It guarantees that public school students have the right to access a wide range of diverse, developmentally appropriate materials that reflect varying perspectives, cultural experiences, and subject matters. Empowering School Library Media Specialists: The legislation affirms that certified school library media specialists are entitled to professional autonomy to curate and maintain library and media center collections, ensuring that materials meet educational standards and student needs. Establishing Transparent Review Processes: H. 4059 mandates that each school district establish a Material Review Committee to handle formal challenges to instructional or library materials. These committees must include at least one certified school library media specialist, ensuring that decisions are informed by professional expertise. Rationale for Support: In recent years, there has been a concerning rise in nationally coordinated campaigns aimed at censoring educational materials and undermining the autonomy of educators. These actions not only infringe upon students' rights to access diverse information but also place undue pressure on educators who strive to provide comprehensive and inclusive education. By formalizing a transparent review process and reinforcing the autonomy of trained specialists, H. 4059 ensures that educational content remains both relevant and reflective of our diverse society. Furthermore, this bill promotes community involvement by allowing stakeholders, including students when appropriate, to participate in the material review process. This inclusive approach fosters a collaborative educational environment where multiple perspectives are considered, ultimately enriching the learning experience. I urge you to support H. 4059 and advocate for its swift passage. This legislation is a vital step toward protecting the rights of our students and educators, ensuring that our schools remain bastions of diverse thought and learning.