Today ALA and AASL welcomed the bicameral introduction of the Right to Read Act (S. 5064 and H.R. 9056) by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Representative Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-03).
The Right to Read Act is designed to ensure all students, including low-income and minority students, children with disabilities, and English language learners, have access to an effective school library staffed by a certified school librarian. The Right to Read Act would increase student access to fully staffed and appropriately resourced school libraries and authorizes funding to meet these urgent needs.
Senator Reed and Rep. Grijalva’s legislation also reaffirms that First Amendment rights apply to school libraries, in response to the growing trend of book bans, which limit appropriate educational options for students. In addition, the Right to Read Act would extend liability protections to teachers and school librarians.
The legislation also supports recruitment, retention and professional development for state-certified school librarians.
Press Release from ALA
Press Release from Senator Jack Reed
One-pager from Rep. Grijalva’s office
Author: Jen Habley
Jen Habley is the AASL Manager of Web Communications. She manages the AASL websites, writes press releases, coordinates AASL’s online learning opportunities, and oversees AASL’s web 2.0 tools. When not working, Jen spends time researching her family tree, reading, and watching hockey.
Categories: Association News, Education News, News
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