Senate committee hears bill to bar discriminatory book removals and boost library support

Senate Bill 1098, presented to the Senate Committee on Education March 3, would prohibit removal or restriction of school and library materials on the basis of discrimination — including race, national origin, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability and other categories — and would establish a Department of Education position to provide professional support for school librarians navigating challenges.

Sen. Lou Frederick, chair of the committee, framed the bill as a defense of “the freedom to read,” saying it “allows and celebrates the freedom to read. Not telling people what it is that they should read.” House co-sponsor Rep. Travis Nelson told the committee the bill “sets forth a clear mandate that explicitly protects Oregon students and the educational materials…