Newsmakers: Rep. Frazier Calls Book Ban Legislation ‘A Net Positive’

Rep. Cedrick Frazier, DFL-New Hope, said the book ban legislation is about protecting material and books that students have access to and establishing a process or policy to determine which books are inappropriate.

“Really, folks need to read the legislation. It’s not about allowing our kids to have book and materials that are inappropriate,” said Frazier. “It’s about putting a process in place. Each school district will have to have a policy in place to evaluate and determine which types of materials and books that we have in public libraries.”

The book ban legislation passed in the Education Bill. Frazier said he received feedback from librarians and school districts that they needed a tool and transparent process in place.

“To not only make sure that we don’t have books that are inappropriate for our kids but also make sure the kids in our communities have access to the things they need to have access to,” said Frazier. “We have not taken away the ability of parents to come in and say, ‘hey, I think these materials and this curriculum is not ok for my kid, I would like the district to review it.’ That process will still be in place, but we will have some uniformity around the process.”

Earlier this year, the Osseo School District faced a spirited debate over whether to keep a controversial book on shelves at the Maple Grove High School library. The school board decided to keep the book. Read story here.

Frazier is grateful the bill passed.

“It’s a tool that is needed and I think it’s something that is going to really have a net positive on schools in our communities,” said Frazier.

Board members discussed their reasons for voting whether to keep “Fun Home” on Maple Grove High School shelves.

Crystal | Golden Valley | Maple Grove | New Hope | Osseo

Newsmakers