In this video, the First Amendment Museum hosts a discussion and debate on a proposal in the Maine Legislature (LD 123) that would make public schools subject to Maine’s anti-obscenity law and could ban schools from providing students with books and other educational materials considered obscene.
The bill was proposed by Sen. Jim Libby (R-Cumberland), who said his bill would protect children from inappropriate materials and provide a clear standard for what content would be allowed in schools.
Joining us for this debate is Nick Murray, Director of Policy with Maine Policy Institute, and Savannah Sessions, a school librarian and Legislative Chair for the Maine Library Association.
About the Presenters
Nick Murray
Nick Murray serves as Director of Policy with Maine Policy Institute, developing MPI’s policy research, analysis, and strategic advocacy priorities. He is the author of numerous articles and publications, such as the 50-State Emergency Powers Scorecard, Long-Term Growth vs. Short-Term Gimmicks: Maine’s Economy and Gov. Mills’ Second Biennial Budget, and the School Choice Map of Maine.
Savannah Sessions
Savannah has been a school librarian since 2015 and an educator since 2012. She has a passion for YA literature, information access and literacy, and library advocacy. Savannah works tirelessly to promote the notion that libraries are so much more than buildings full of books – they are community hubs. Outside of her professional life, Savannah has a great interest in historic preservation/conservation – especially of historic windows and gilded objects, good food, and mountain biking. She is the Legislative Chair for the Maine Library Association.
