In a broadcast memo dated Aug. 13, 2025, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) issued guidance and model policies to assist Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in implementing the Freedom to Read Act (N.J.S.A. 18A:34A-1, et seq.), signed into law on Dec. 9, 2024.

Please visit the New Jersey Legislature’s website to view the full text of the law.

The memo contained the following information:

Key Requirements for LEAs

  1. Policy Development Each LEA must develop or revise policies governing:
    • The selection and curation of library materials.
    • A transparent review process for addressing concerns about materials including requests for removal of library material within a school library.
  2. Non-Discrimination Clause Policies must prohibit the exclusion of library materials based on:
    • The origin, background, or views of the material or its author.
    • Disagreement with a viewpoint, unless the material is developmentally inappropriate for a specific age group.
  3. Staff Protections Library staff are protected from civil or criminal liability when acting in accordance with the law.
  4. Collaboration Encouraged LEAs are encouraged to work with school librarians, educators, and community stakeholders to ensure policies reflect local needs and uphold intellectual freedom.

Support and Resources

As required by the Freedom to Read Act, the NJDOE has created model policy templates on the NJDOE website for LEA use in creating local policies for curation and removal of library materials.

Contact Information

For questions or support, please contact Standards@doe.nj.gov.