For more updates about current advocacy efforts please visit the PSLA Advocacy website and PA Legislation updates.
An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for parental control relating to instructional materials and books containing sexually explicit content.
Last Action: Referred to EDUCATION, February 3, 2025 [Senate]
Implications for School Librarians:
Previous Legislation SB7 in 23/24 Session Actions and Statements:
Senate Education Committee - Public hearing on sexually explicit content in schools, October 17, 2023 [video]
An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in public indecency, further providing for the offense of obscene and other sexual materials and performances.
Memo: Removing Obscene Material from Our School Libraries (Prior HB 209, 2023-24)
Prime Sponsor: Representative GLEIM
Last Action: Referred to EDUCATION, January 22, 2025 [House]
Implications for School Librarians: removes school libraries from exemption from prosecution for obscene and other sexual materials or performances.
A document that aims to a.) describe in plain language, the need, intent and impact of the anticipated bill and b.) invites legislators to sign-on in support of the bill, as “co-sponsors.”
https://www.oyez.org/cases/1981/80-2043
First Amendment limits the power of school officials to remove books from school libraries because of their content.
https://www.bookweb.org/news/harry-potter-and-order-cedarville-school-board
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas ruled in 2003 that it is unconstitutional for the school district to require children to receive parental permission when checking out Harry Potter books from the school library
https://www.ftrf.org/page/Glossary
Glossary of terms from the Freedom to Read Foundation.
https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/about/faq/what-is-the-legal-definition-of-obscenity/
Mission is to foster First Amendment freedoms. Legal definition of obscenity.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit decided in 1998 that removing controversial books from the curriculum because of parent complaints would be a violation of students’ First Amendment rights to receive information