Enacts the freedom to read act

Enacts the "freedom to read act"; requires the commissioner of education and school library systems to develop policies to ensure that school libraries and library staff are empowered to curate and develop collections that provide students with access to the widest array of developmentally appropriate materials available.

VETO MESSAGE - No. 136 TO THE SENATE: I am returning herewith, without my approval, the following bill: Senate Bill Number 1099, entitled: "AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to enacting the "freedom to read act"" NOT APPROVED This bill requires the state education department and school library systems to adopt policies according to which school library staff are empowered to curate the widest array of developmentally appropriate library materials. I recognize the important role school library staff play in promoting student learning and the democratic values of free inquiry and tolerance for diversity of thought. School librarians already maintain academic freedom over pedagogical decisions to the same extent as teachers, and schools are already prohibited from restricting access to texts and materials simply because school officials disagree or disapprove of their content. ...