1. United States
2. N.J.
3. Letter

Dear Representative Smith, As a PFLAG member and a constituent of yours, I am deeply concerned about HR 7661, which would ban books from school libraries.  America is a country of freedom of speech and freedom of ideas. Those freedoms end when politicians start banning books and censoring curriculum simply because some people find them uncomfortable. Children deserve an honest and accurate education that enables them to learn about diverse identities and experiences to help create a better future. A public-school education helps students prepare for their future by encouraging curiosity and critical thinking through math and science, art and music, history and literature. But HR 7661 would force schools to purge books from their libraries that merely acknowledge that transgender people exist. It sets a dangerous precedent when politicians simply start censoring school content and books they don’t like. The politicians and groups behind these bills want to use our laws to control what students can and cannot read, what they can and cannot learn, and—most troublingly— who they can and cannot be. Our schools should protect all students—including LGBTQ students—so they can learn and thrive in a safe environment where they can see themselves reflected in the books they read.  Please OPPOSE HR 7661 and get back to work ensuring ALL students can get a quality public education. Sincerely,