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Position Statement on Censorship in our School Libraries

The New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL) strongly supports the right of children of all ages to read a wide variety of material with differing viewpoints and perspectives. Censorship denies free access to information and stifles intellectual freedom. 

NJASL believes that school librarians and parents/guardians are partners in a child’s journey to becoming a lifelong reader/learner. Respect for and by all parties in pursuit of this goal should be paramount: Threatening librarians, teachers, or school board members to the point that they do not feel safe in their jobs is not acceptable, and should be roundly condemned by all concerned. 

School Librarians are committed to upholding the highest standards in providing information and resources. We firmly believe that it is our responsibility to provide equitable access to diverse and inclusive material that is representative of social and racial justice, the pursuit of truth and opposes efforts to suppress world views. School library media specialists are committed to curating material that reflect multiple viewpoints. 

The American Library Association Library Bill of Rights states that “Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment” and “Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas” (https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill). 

Furthermore, the American Library Association Code of Ethics enjoins librarians to “uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources” ((https://www.ala.org/tools/ethics). 

Acting in accordance with these principles, NJASL supports school librarians who stand up to censorship within their schools, supports the use of equitable reconsideration policies, and supports collections with diverse representation. 

A recent survey of candidates running for school board positions across New Jersey this November by the New Jersey Association of School Librarians shows significant support for the role of school librarians in education by current and future district leaders. This is true for candidates from small and rural school districts as well as from large urban or suburban ones. There was wide geographic representation with candidates from South, Central, and North Jersey responding

Read the Full Press Release (pdf file attached)

Click on Link to View Full Survey Answers From School Board Candidates:  The names of all who responded to the survey are listed along with their responses.  

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