Freedom to Read Colorado Holds Press Conference to Introduce SB24-049

Posted: February 15, 2024

Freedom to Read Colorado held a press conference on Monday, in anticipation of the bill’s introduction. SB24-049 codifies the belief that all Colorado children have the freedom to read. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Lisa Cutter (D-Jefferson County), Sen. Chris Kolker (D-Centennial), Rep. Junie Joseph (D-Boulder) and Rep. Eliza Hamrick (D-Centennial).

“The freedom to read and expand our minds with different perspectives is one of our most precious rights as Americans and Coloradans,” said Sen. Cutter. “Protecting this right is paramount to ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, zip code, or socioeconomic status, can have access to a wide range of reading materials that provide them with the knowledge base and critical thinking skills that they need to be informed citizens who will contribute positively to our democracy.”

Amie Baca-Oehlert, high school counselor and President of Colorado Education Association (CEA), stated, “Every child in Colorado should be afforded the opportunity to engage with a rich tapestry of literature that mirrors the myriad of lived experiences within our society. As Coloradans, we recognize that the freedom to read is not only a privilege but a responsibility—a responsibility to nurture informed and enlightened citizens who contribute positively to our democratic ideals.”

“The freedom to read transcends the mere accumulation of facts; it serves as a catalyst for empathy, tolerance, and an appreciation for the diversity that defines our shared human experience,” said Anaya Robinson, Senior Policy Strategist of American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Colorado. “Preserving the freedom to read is vital to ensuring that future generations of Coloradans will continue to thrive in and out of the classroom.”

Kathy Wilson, Co-Director of Action and Advocacy of the League of Women Voters of Colorado, stated: “Every person has a fundamental right under the First Amendment to access information. The uninhibited flow of information fosters an informed citizenry, critical discourse, and the preservation of democratic values. Upholding the freedom to read empowers individuals and strengthens the fabric of a society that values transparency, accountability, and the open exchange of diverse perspectives.”

Every person has a fundamental right under the First Amendment to access information.”
Kathy Wilson, League of Women Voters of Colorado

According to the American Library Association, at least 136 book titles were challenged in the first eight months of 2023 alone. This is a 143% increase from 2022. These attacks on Colorado children’s freedom to read are undermining academic freedom, intellectual curiosity and an inclusive education for our students.

“The extremist attacks against primarily LGBTQ+ authors and authors of color is a blatant politically-motivated movement to deny Colorado children the freedom to read,” said Garrett Royer, Deputy Director of One Colorado. “Colorado children deserve the freedom to learn, explore, and engage with texts by authors of a plethora of backgrounds.”

“Reading should inspire celebration, not discrimination,” said Shara Smith, CEO of Interfaith Alliance. “We cannot live in denial about the painful parts of our history. To protect the freedom to read is to ensure that the next generation of Coloradans has the opportunity to access a broad spectrum of literature. By doing so, we empower Colorado’s children to become well-informed, open-minded individuals who can contribute meaningfully to our democracy.”

“The freedom to read is a fundamental and constitutionally protected right,” said Jenn Cook, President of the Colorado Association of Libraries. “Any effort to censor, remove, or exclude the voices of BIPOC, queer, transgender, and other marginalized individuals is a flagrant violation of intellectual freedom. Our libraries should be spaces that safeguard the freedom to read by curating diverse and inclusive collections and providing equitable access to them.”