Senator Zwicker Discusses New ‘Right to Read’ Legislation on CNN This Morning
Senator Zwicker and Senator Ruiz joined host Rahel Solomon to discuss their bill, which would fight conservative extremism in New Jersey libraries.
Hillsborough, NJ – Yesterday, Senator Andrew Zwicker (D-LD16) and Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz (D-LD29) spoke to CNN This Morning about their new legislation to protect the right to read in New Jersey. Senator Zwicker and Senator Ruiz’s bill comes in response to increased harassment of library staff in school districts around NJ.
“We are seeing increasing attempts to ban books across the nation, and state legislatures are at the frontline of protecting basic our democratic principles like the right to read,” said Senator Andrew Zwicker. “Banning books is a radical measure and our legislation is designed to protect against conservative extremism in our libraries and classrooms.
“I grew up surrounded by books. My mom taught high school English, including books like The Grapes of Wrath and Beloved which saw their own attempts at being banned. We cannot allow a minority of voices to dictate what our children can and cannot read.”
Senator Zwicker is supported in this legislation by his running mates Assemblyman Roy Freiman and Assembly Candidate Mitchelle Drulis. “What is more sacred or more American than protecting freedom of speech?,” said Assemblyman Freiman. “This legislation not only fights censorship, but it also supports our dedicated librarians who work hard to support and educate our communities.”
“My daughter attends public school in Hunterdon County, so I have a personal investment in defending parental freedom to determine what is appropriate for her to read. As a New Jersey parent, I am proud to support Senator Zwicker in proposing this legislation, and I am doubly proud to be running to represent the 16th Legislative District with him,” said Assembly Candidate MItchelle Drulis.