Trenton, NJ – Freshman Assembly members Dawn Fantasia and Michael Inganamort, alongside Senator Parker Space, have voiced their opposition to a controversial bill that would protect certain individuals from liability for providing obscene materials to minors. The legislation, known as the “Freedom to Read Act” (S2421/A3446), is aimed at granting immunity to teachers, school librarians, and public library staff when performing their duties.
Senator Parker Space criticized the bill for imposing what he sees as a government-mandated ideology on schools, emphasizing the importance of respecting parental and local school officials’ authority to determine suitable educational content. The bill proposes eight new mandates that would diminish local boards of education’s decision-making power, centralizing it with the state government instead.
Assembly member Dawn Fantasia highlighted concerns that the bill would undermine parental rights and local control over educational materials. She argued that the legislation would effectively silence public opposition and limit the autonomy of local school boards by providing legal protection to educators and librarians who choose to keep controversial materials accessible.
The opposition from Sussex County legislators comes amid increasing demands from parents for greater transparency and oversight regarding their children’s education, especially following public school closures. Assembly member Michael Inganamort stressed the inappropriateness of exposing students to obscene or sexually explicit content, defending the stance as a measure to protect children and preserve the teaching profession’s integrity. The trio of lawmakers stands united in their commitment to opposing the bill.