Expressing concern about the growing problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.
Summary
This House Resolution expresses concern over increasing book bans and threats to freedom of expression in the United States. It references Supreme Court cases, the First Amendment, and international declarations to support its stance. The resolution calls on local governments and school districts to protect students' rights to learn and educators' ability to teach, advocating for a wide array of books reflecting diverse viewpoints.
Expected Effects
If passed, this resolution would likely serve as a formal expression of the House's stance on book banning. It could influence local governments and school districts to reconsider book banning policies. It may also encourage further legislative action to protect freedom of expression in educational settings.
Potential Benefits
- Reinforces First Amendment rights related to freedom of speech and expression.
- Supports access to diverse perspectives and literature for students.
- Protects the ability of educators and librarians to teach without censorship.
- Promotes critical thinking and engagement with different viewpoints.
- Aligns with international human rights standards regarding freedom of expression.
Potential Disadvantages
- The resolution is non-binding, so its impact depends on voluntary compliance by local entities.
- It could potentially lead to disagreements over what constitutes appropriate material for students.
- May face opposition from groups supporting parental control over educational content.
- Could be interpreted as federal overreach into local education matters.
- The resolution does not address the underlying reasons for book challenges, potentially leading to continued conflict.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech and expression. It references the Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines, which affirmed students' rights to freedom of speech in schools. The resolution's call to protect access to diverse viewpoints supports the marketplace of ideas, a concept central to First Amendment jurisprudence.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).