Tell Your Federal Legislators: Reject Censorship. Protect the Freedom to Read.

The American Library Association (ALA) has issued a call to action opposing dangerous censorship bills introduced in the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate, and your voice is needed to help stop them before they gain momentum. ALA is urging library supporters to contact their U.S. Representatives and Senators and ask them to reject the bills. MLA encourages our members to join this effort and take action to protect the freedom to read.

Senate Bill S. 4925 and House Bill H.R. 7661 are identical federal bills titled the "Stop the Sexualization of Children Act," which prohibit the use of federal elementary and secondary education funds for "sexually oriented material" aimed at minors. These bills would undermine parents’ rights to guide their children’s reading by allowing politicians to impose broad restrictions on what books and materials can be available in schools. The bills use vague and confusing terms, including “sexually oriented material” and “gender dysphoria,” to threaten educational funding for books that address topics such as health, science, and art. It would also censor LGBTQIA+ stories and prohibit even basic references to transgender people.

Parents, educators, and library workers—not politicians—are best positioned to make decisions about what children read and learn. School librarians are trained literacy professionals who understand child development and the needs of their communities. They create welcoming environments where students can read, study, explore new ideas, and develop into lifelong readers.

Removing books from school libraries limits students’ access to diverse viewpoints, perspectives, and opportunities to learn. Legislation like S. 4925 and H.R. 7661 should concern anyone who believes families, educators, and communities should have the freedom to make these decisions for themselves.

The freedom to read is fundamental to a strong democracy. Congress should protect that freedom and invest in libraries—not restrict access to books.

Follow ALA’s call to action to learn more about S. 4925 and H.R. 7661 and contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives. Let them know you support the freedom to read and urge them to reject this legislation!

TELL U.S. SENATORS TO REJECT CENSORSHIP!

TELL U.S. REPS TO REJECT CENSORSHIP!