Oregon school leaders advocate for Senate Bill 10 98 against book challenges

During a pivotal meeting of the Oregon House Committee on Education, two key advocates voiced strong support for Senate Bill 1098, aimed at safeguarding access to library and course materials in schools. Althea Ender, a director on the David Douglas School Board, emphasized the bill's importance in promoting inclusivity and protecting diverse student identities. She highlighted the challenges faced by students connected to the Klamath tribes, stressing the need for equitable access to educational resources.

Ender urged committee members to vote in favor of the bill, stating, "We do not need out of district groups and discriminatory challenges making access to critical learning more difficult." Her testimony underscored the necessity of preparing students for a diverse world.

Anne Reyes Frazee, president of the Oregon Library Association and a high school librarian, echoed these sentiments, revealing a staggering 231% increase in book challenges over the past five years. She pointed out that many challenges are rooted in discrimination, particularly against LGBTQ materials. "This bill is not about restricting anyone's ability to voice concerns," Frazee clarified, "It's about ensuring that discrimination is not the basis for limiting access to materials in our schools."

Both advocates called for enhanced support for school librarians, who are currently navigating these challenges with minimal institutional backing. They argued that a dedicated position within the Oregon Department of Education would provide essential guidance and resources to library staff, allowing them to focus on fostering literacy and critical thinking among students.

As the committee deliberates on SB 1098, the testimonies from Ender and Frazee highlight a critical moment in Oregon's educational landscape, where the fight against discrimination in educational materials is more pressing than ever.