ST PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota House of Representatives passed an education bill Wednesday that prohibits book bans and requires schools to adopt cell phone policies, among other things.
Across the nation, special interest groups have challenged many books in public and school libraries, especially ones addressing race, racism or gender/LGBTQ topics.
Now according to this new bill, Minnesota public libraries will not be allowed to restrict access to books based "solely on its viewpoint or the messages, ideas or opinions it conveys."
“Banning books not only limits educational opportunities but also sends a chilling message that certain stories and experiences are unwelcome,” said bill author Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope) in a statement. “In Minnesota, we are making sure our libraries and schools are a safe space for exploration and discovery, not places where knowledge is censored."
Carver County Library encountered this scenario in September, when a resident challenged the book "Gender Queer" because she found the images "concerning." The board unanimously chose to keep the book on the shelves.
Under this new bill, libraries or school boards will still have avenues for concerned parents to request a curriculum content challenge.
As for the new cell phone policy included in the bill, school districts will have to adopt a policy on students' possession and use of cell phones in school by March 15, 2025. The goal is to "minimize the impact of cell phones on student behavior, mental health and academic attainment," according to the bill language.
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