Teacher tells Asheville City Schools board the statelaw on parental access to library books may violate students' rights

Jasmine Eshkar (introduced at sign‑in as 'Jasmine Eshkar' and identifying herself at the microphone as 'Jasmine Ashkar'), a fourth‑grade teacher at Isaac Dixon Elementary School, told the Asheville City Schools Board of Education during public comment that a recently cited provision of North Carolina law on parental access to school library books likely violates students' First Amendment rights and that the district should consider legal or community action.

"I believe this law violates a number of our students' constitutionally protected rights," Eshkar said, referring to what she described as "article 11 or 115 C 98.1 of NC Session Law 84" and summarizing case law she said supports students' rights to receive information. She urged the board to consider a lawsuit against the state or to help organize community members to oppose the law.

Eshkar framed her remarks with legal precedent, citing Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) and a 1982 decision she referenced as "Board of Education v. Pico," arguing that school libraries are a distinct environment where removal of materials must meet strict standards such as material disruption or obscenity. She told the board she understood it may be constrained by state law but said staff have not received acknowledgment or support for the harms she described.

The board chair thanked Eshkar and invited the teacher to provide additional information by email. No board action was taken during the meeting on the statute or on the speaker's suggestion that the district pursue litigation.