Removing books from school libraries can violate students’ First Amendment rights, according to a summary of laws sent to school by the Utah Attorney General’s Office. The Summary also includes state laws that define materials harmful to minors. A state school board committee met to develop a model policy on school libraries but reached no consensus.
The Utah Democratic Party made an extraordinary decision on Saturday. A majority of delegates decided to not put forth a Democratic candidate to face off with Republican Sen. Mike Lee and instead back independent candidate Evan McMullin.
Last year saw an unprecedented number of attempts to censor or ban books in public libraries, schools and universities, says the American Library Association. The most targeted books including, “Gender Queer,” and “Lawn Boy,” were by or about Black or LGBTQ persons. Conservative activists and parental rights groups organized book challenges.