Overview
- At Tuesday night’s board meeting, Superintendent Kwame R. Morton Sr. said the district is not seeking to censor books and will not require parental permission for library checkouts.
- The Oct. 31 memo from curriculum director Allison Staffin told librarians how to handle “sensitive” materials but did not define the term, prompting community concern.
- Morton said he met with school media specialists, who shared suggested protocols for selecting and vetting materials, and he emphasized that no new policy has been adopted.
- Parents and residents urged the board to avoid any procedures that could create barriers to students’ access, citing the district’s commitment to the freedom to read.
- The New Jersey Association of School Librarians warned the memo’s approach, if implemented, could violate the state’s Freedom to Read Act taking effect in December, while the board president said current policies comply with state law.