This past weekend, public libraries across North Dakota became the backdrop for a unique form of protest. Instead of the usual colorful signs and loud chants, participants opted for a quieter approach: they brought fold-out chairs and blankets, settling down to read books in solidarity. This event, known as the Read-Out protest, was organized by Right to Read ND, aiming to oppose Senate Bill 2307, which seeks to restrict access to certain literature in public and school libraries.
Understanding Senate Bill 2307
Senate Bill 2307 proposes that public and school libraries remove “explicit sexual material” or restrict access to it for individuals under the age of 18. Additionally, it mandates that North Dakota’s attorney general investigate any complaints regarding libraries that allegedly provide such materials to minors. While the bill is framed as a protective measure for young readers, many argue that it poses a significant threat to literary freedom and access to diverse ideas.
Voices from the protest
Among the protesters was Corian Clark, an elementary school librarian who expressed her frustration with the bill. “I have expertise, I have gone to school, I have degrees, and I know what is and isn’t appropriate for my students,” she stated. Clark emphasized the importance of allowing students access to a wide range of literature, arguing that the bill represents an unwarranted intrusion into the professional judgment of educators and librarians.
Another participant, Greg Clark, who serves on the Fargo Board of Education, echoed these sentiments. He acknowledged the bill’s purported good intentions but criticized its implications. “The examples that legislators give all happen to be about protecting young people from ideas that they don’t like, and those ideas are not all inappropriate,” he remarked, highlighting the nuanced nature of literary content.
The power of literature
Fargo resident Tiffany Brandon, bundled in layers against the cold, shared her thoughts while reading *Ten Days in a Mad-House*. She passionately defended the right to read, stating, “Not believing in something doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, and to try to ban any book to me is an egregious way to try and keep people from becoming powerful, and becoming knowledgeable.” Brandon’s perspective reflects a broader concern among protesters: the belief that every book has a rightful reader and that access to literature is a fundamental right.
The Read-Out protest not only served as a platform for expressing dissent against censorship but also highlighted the community’s commitment to preserving access to diverse literary voices. As Senate Bill 2307 passed with a unanimous vote of 27-0, the ongoing discussions surrounding this legislation underscore the importance of advocating for the right to read freely in a democratic society.