Intellectual Freedom

The right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause or movement may be explored.

Freedom to Read Act (A3446/S2421) Becomes P.L.2024,c.96

The bill protects the intellectual freedom of students as well as acknowledges that school libraries are centers for voluntary inquiry, fostering students’ growth and development. Additionally, includes requirements for curation policies as well as protections for librarians. NJASL Press Release on Passage of Bill

Resources:

NJASL Model Policies: Resource Materials 2025

Resources for Creating Selection and Reconsideration Policies

NJASL Book Challenges Handbook
Resources & Suggestions for Preparing for & Managing School Library Controversies

Laws/ NJSLS to Assist with Censorship Challenges

New Jersey Resources:

American Library Association Resources:

Intellectual Freedom: Issues and Resources
Library Bill of Rights
Challenge Support
Selection and Reconsideration Policy Toolkit
Filters and Filtering
Schools and Minors Rights
Banned and Challenged Books
Office for Intellectual Freedom
Office for Intellectual Freedom Recorded Webinars and Videos

Unite Against Book Bans Toolkit

Reporting Challenges:
To anonymously report a book challenge in New Jersey, please use this Confidential Reporting Form
To report a resource challenge in New Jersey, Please Click Here.
To report a resource challenge to ALA, Please Click Here.
To reach the Rapid Response Team for immediate assistance, please email rrt@njasl.org
If you’re interested in getting involved, here is the link to sign up: bit.ly/librrt