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Senate directs JLARC to study removal of books from public school libraries
Summary
The Senate agreed to SJR 251 on Jan. 29, directing the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to survey school divisions about books removed from public school libraries since July 1, 2020.
The Virginia Senate on Jan. 29 adopted Senate Joint Resolution 251, directing the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to study books that public school divisions have removed from school libraries since July 1, 2020.
Sen. Locke of Hampton, who moved the resolution, said JLARC will survey every school division to identify which divisions removed books from libraries "based upon the book's contents." "SJR 251 simply asked JLARC to take a look at what books have been removed from school libraries since 2020," Locke said on the floor.
The resolution instructs JLARC to collect division‑level data and produce a report to inform policymakers about the scope and reasons for removals. The Senate agreed to the resolution by voice vote; the clerk recorded the motion as agreed.
Why it matters: Lawmakers said the study will provide a comprehensive view across the Commonwealth of actions taken by school divisions related to library collections. Supporters described the review as a step toward making statewide data available to inform policy choices.
What the resolution does not do: SJR 251 does not change local library policies, direct any school division to restore titles, or prescribe specific content standards. It asks JLARC to compile and report information to the General Assembly.
Ending: JLARC will undertake the survey and prepare its report per the resolution's directions; timing and scope of the final JLARC report will depend on the commission's schedule and staff resources.
