The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ) has issued a statement regarding the recent passage of the Freedom to Read Act (S2421/A3446). Sarah Fajardo, Policy Director at ACLU-NJ, commented on the significance of this legislative move.
“Banning books means more than taking them off the shelf: it threatens the very foundation of our democracy. We have a responsibility to learn from our nation’s history, reject discriminatory attacks by prioritizing inclusive policy change, and protect New Jerseyans’ fundamental rights to freely speak, think, read, and write – especially for those who are most vulnerable,” Fajardo stated.
Fajardo also expressed gratitude towards Senate Majority Leader Ruiz and Senator Zwicker for their sponsorship of the act. She emphasized that this legislation is essential for ensuring that New Jersey remains true to its values.
