Governor Maura Healey signed a new law protecting students’ freedom to read and keeping book bans out of Massachusetts schools and public libraries. Signed at the Franklin Public Library, the oldest public library in the United States, the law establishes a fair, transparent process for reviewing library materials while strengthening protections for teachers and librarians.
“This bill is about protecting the freedom to read, to learn, to ask difficult questions and to encounter ideas we might agree or disagree with,” said Gov. Healey. “It’s also about protecting our teachers and librarians and allowing them to do their jobs. At a time when President Trump is defunding education and trying to censor any ideas he doesn’t agree with, it is more important than ever that states step up to lead. That’s what we’re doing here in Massachusetts.”
Said Tanya V. Neslusan, Executive Director, MassEquality, “The signing of An Act Regarding Free Expression marks a monumental victory for students, educators, librarians and the entire LGBTQ+ community in Massachusetts. By codifying clear, professional standards for library materials, this law ensures that our public spaces remain safe, inclusive, and reflective of all families. For MassEquality, this bill is critical to guaranteeing not only that marginalized communities can see themselves reflected on library shelves without fear of erasure, censorship, or political interference, but that librarians, authors, and teachers can rest a little easier by quieting some of the relentless attacks waged against them.”
The legislation ensures families and community members continue to have a voice when they have concerns about library materials, while establishing an open local process for reviewing book decisions. It protects librarians and educators who make library selections in good faith, reinforces local decision-making, and establishes consistent statewide standards so every community follows the same fair process.
— from a press release from the office of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey