NC Bill Would Ban ‘Sexual’ Books in School Libraries

A North Carolina bill that would ban books with sexual content from school libraries and give parents the ability to sue schools over “inappropriate” materials is moving forward after passing a House committee. House Bill 636 is now headed to the full House for debate.

The proposed law would require schools to create community advisory committees to oversee which materials are approved or removed from school libraries. Supporters say the bill gives parents more say in what their children are exposed to in school.

“This bill ensures our schools remain focused on age-appropriate education rather than exposing children to material many parents find objectionable,” said the bill’s primary sponsor during committee deliberations.

Critics, however, warn that the bill amounts to censorship and could result in the removal of classic literature such as To Kill a Mockingbird and The Color Purple. Opponents also argue that it could open the door for politically motivated book bans and costly legal battles for school districts.

If passed, the law would establish a formal process for parents to challenge books and potentially file lawsuits if they believe a school has failed to comply.