Campus Currents

By Dylan Pichnarcik, Publications Intern

Visiting a library, perusing the aisles of a cramped bookstore, and purchasing required reading materials are experiences many college students face each year. 

In the United States, the freedom to select from a full range of published material is under threat. But in Massachusetts, community leaders are taking a stand and fighting back against anti-literacy laws, said President Nancy Niemi at the “Freedom to Read Forum” hosted on Oct. 7 in the McCarthy Forum. 

Niemi said the restriction of access to printed materials combined with kindergarten to collegiate curriculum restrictions are the current anti-literacy laws in the U.S.

“Almost 40% of the population now lives in states affected by state-level higher education censorship laws or policies. It's our job as public servants and public educators whose commitment to the Commonwealth is central to serve the public good by protecting our community's right to read and to teach our students to think for themselves,” Niemi said. 

The event was a panel discussion between Massachusetts community leaders and members of FSU’s faculty and student body. 

Panelists included: Representative Jack Lewis (D-7th Middlesex); Representative David Paul Linsky (D-5th Middlesex); Adam Scanlon (D-14th Bristol); Education Professors James Cressey, Julie Jeannetti, and Chiu Ly; English Department Chair Lisa Eck, and students Nora Russell; Charlie Karp; and Kate Norrish. 

Linsky discussed two bills currently in the Massachusetts State House. 

The first, House Bill (HB) 3598, currently being discussed within the House, ensures that librarians working in school libraries are given the authority to choose which books are available. 

According to Linsky, the bill also outlines a clear procedure for challenging book offerings and protects librarians and patrons’ First Amendment rights. 

The second bill, HB 3954, put forth by Scanlon, requires school committees to adhere to policies outlined by the American Library Association and to prevent the removal of books due to political or ideological opinion. 

The bill will also require cities and towns across the Commonwealth to report any book bans to the Department of Secondary Education. 

During the event, Niemi discouraged teachers from self-censorship and to avoid thinking, “‘Oh, this book, this material, this discussion, might get me in trouble.’”

She added, “If you've got a learning reason for it, use it and use it proudly and bravely, because then you have a defense for it, you'll have a defense for why we're using it.”