Victory against harmful book bans

Originally posted on NJ.com

NJ Advance Media’s coverage of New Jersey’s newly signed Freedom to Read Act highlights a crucial victory against the harmful wave of book bans targeting diverse and inclusive stories.

As CEO of Reading Partners, a national nonprofit committed to improving literacy outcomes, I commend this legislation as a bold step toward ensuring every child has access to books that reflect their experiences and broaden their understanding of others.

Book bans disproportionately target works by Black authors and those centered on LGBTQ themes, stripping students of opportunities to see themselves in literature or learn from diverse perspectives. These actions deepen educational inequities and further marginalize specific communities. With just 32% of all New Jersey students meeting proficiency standards in 2022 — a startling decline of 10 points from 2019 — efforts to provide access to inclusive, representative books are needed now more than ever.

That’s why Reading Partners is excited to expand into New Jersey with support from GreenLight Fund Greater Newark. Our multi-year partnership aims to tackle a literacy crisis in Newark, where just 19% of third graders are reading at grade level, according to 2023 N.J. Student Learning Assessments.

New Jersey’s Freedom to Read Act and initiatives like ours in Newark work hand in hand to address literacy inequities. This legislation protects intellectual freedom, ensures diverse materials remain accessible, and empowers parents to guide their own children’s choices while safeguarding others’ rights.

By rejecting censorship and supporting proven literacy programs, New Jersey affirms that reading is not just a skill — it is a civil right. As a New Jersey resident for nearly 25 years and a parent of students attending public schools in the state, I believe we can and should ensure all of our state’s children have the opportunity to become confident, lifelong readers who are prepared to shape a brighter future.

Adeola Whitney, CEO, Reading Partners, Oakland, Ca.