House committee advances bill barring removal of library materials based on protected-class identity; grade-appropriateness amendment fails

The House Education Committee voted to send Senate Bill 10 10 98 to the House floor with a due-pass recommendation, after rejecting an amendment that would have added explicit language allowing school personnel to consider grade-level appropriateness in selecting or retaining library and instructional materials.

The bill, as described by staff, would prevent licensed teachers, schools and school districts from prohibiting the selection, retention or use of library materials, textbooks or instructional materials solely because the materials "contain perspective stories or are created by individuals or groups that are members of a protected class under Oregon's antidiscrimination law." It requires removal requests to be made in writing by a parent or guardian of a student or by an employee of the school, to be reviewed by a district committee, and directs the Oregon Department of Education and the State Board of Education to issue guidelines and technical support. The measure declares an emergency and takes effect upon passage.

Committee debate centered on whether the bill simply restates existing nondiscrimination obligations or whether it would politicize schools, and on…