Georgia Senate considers controls on school libraries and criminal charges...

[Jessica_Rose]

Georgia Senate considers controls on school libraries and criminal charges for librarians

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/georgia-senate-considers-controls-on-school-libraries-and-criminal-charges-for-librarians/ar-BB1iBTF9?cvid=f351f68369c648ca96b99b843a710855&ei=28

Story by By JEFF AMY (20 Feb 2024)

ATLANTA (AP) — A proposal that would require school libraries to notify parents of every book their child checks out was advanced by Georgia senators Tuesday, while a proposal to subject school librarians to criminal charges for distributing material containing obscenity waits in the wings.

The measures are part of a broad and continuing push by Republicans in many states to root out what they see as inappropriate material from schools and libraries, saying books and electronic materials are corrupting children.

Opponents say it's a campaign of censorship meant to block children's freedom to learn, while scaring teachers and librarians into silence for fear of losing their jobs or worse.

Georgia senators are also considering bills to force all public and school libraries in the state to cut ties with the American Library Association and to restrict school libraries' ability to hold or acquire any works that depict sexual intercourse or sexual arousal.

The state Senate Education and Youth Committee voted 5-4 Tuesday to advance Senate Bill 365 to the full Senate for more debate. The proposal would let parents choose to receive an email any time their child obtains library material.