Dupage Policy Journal

Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois is expected to sign a bill designed to prevent institutions that ban books from receiving state funds, in reaction to the nationwide movement to withdraw specific titles from circulation, a recent report from The Hill said.

During a press conference in March, Pritzker spoke about the importance of education and the implementation of books.

"Banning books is a devastating attempt to erase our history and the authentic stories of many," he said in the press conference. "Students across this state deserve to see themselves reflected in the pages of stories that teach and entertain."

Illinois state Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines), one of the bill’s sponsors, echoed the governor's sentiments.

"Our nation's libraries have been under attack for too long—they are bastions of knowledge and proliferate the spread of ideas," she said. "That is why I am so proud that my measure to prevent the banning of books passed in the senate today."

The legislation—officially known as House Bill 2789—which requires libraries to adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, aims to ensure that materials are not removed due to partisan or doctrinal disapproval. The Library Bill of Rights advocates for the freedom to access information and materials, regardless of the views expressed.

While the proposed legislation has received support from many quarters, there has also been opposition.

"It's offensive to the principles of good government to threaten to take away public funds from the very people whose taxes pay for these grants just because certain politicians may not agree with their beliefs," Illinois state Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) said in an ILSenateGOP tweet quoted by The Hill.

The bill passed both Houses and now awaits the governor's signature. Pritzker remains in full support of the bill and is expected to sign it into law.

"I’m proud to support House Bill 2789 and ensure that Illinois’ libraries remain sources of knowledge, creativity, and fact," he said.