Protect Nebraskans' freedom to read

We have a right to read free from viewpoint-based government censorship, but that right is not as respected as it should be. Today, books are being banned and challenged in public schools and libraries at an alarming rate – often, these books are by and about people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized groups.

The Library Bill of Rights outlines libraries' responsibility to challenge censorship, provide materials for all people, present all points of view, and ultimately serve communities equitably. The importance of this commitment is detailed in the Freedom to Read statement. Its creation in 1954 was in response to challenges similar to what we are seeing today.

Discriminatory censorship is antithetical to the First Amendment. As Nebraskans, we have a responsibility to speak up and defend our freedom to read and learn. Books should be available for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people in a community. They should never be made unavailable based on partisan politics or discrimination.

In solidarity with the national Unite Against Book Bans campaign, the ACLU of Nebraska and the Nebraska Library Association invite you to sign this petition in support of free expression and our freedom to read.