Text of Position Statement: 

Position Statement on Censorship of Books in North Carolina School Libraries

The North Carolina School Library Media Association (NCSLMA) firmly supports the Freedom to Read for all students. NCSLMA supports the professionally trained school library media coordinators, curriculum specialists, and classroom teachers who work to provide every child with books that support their individual educational and personal needs and interests.

NCSLMA acknowledges that not every book is for every reader, and that parents have the right to determine what is best for their child in setting restrictions and reading parameters. However, no individual or group has the right to make decisions for all children. We strongly condemn any form of censorship and oppose attempts to remove materials from classrooms and school libraries for all readers without following approved policies and procedures. We encourage all parents, educators, school and district administrators to defend students’ First Amendment rights to access information as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. NCSLMA stands in full support of our members and affirms their professional expertise in selecting materials.