North Dakota’s SB 2307: A Book Ban Dressed Up as “Protection”
Introduction
North Dakota’s Senate Bill 2307 (SB 2307) is a book ban bill disguised as a "protection" measure for minors. This dangerous legislation targets libraries, schools, and digital research resources, potentially leading to mass censorship.
Published on: 3-1-2025
Tags: Censorship, Public Education, North Dakota Politics, Government Overreach
How SB 2307 Targets Libraries and Schools
SB 2307 isn’t about protecting children—it’s about controlling what people can read, learn, and access in public institutions. Here’s what SB 2307 does:
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Expands the Definition of “Obscene” Content: The vague and overreaching definitions make it easy to ban books covering topics such as LGBTQ+ identities, reproductive health, race, and even uncomfortable historical truths.
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Forces Libraries to Remove or Restrict Books: Libraries may have to preemptively censor their collections, hide books, or require parental permissions, resulting in soft censorship.
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Censors Digital Research Resources: Academic tools like JSTOR might be blocked if content is flagged, depriving students of critical knowledge.
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Gives State Attorneys Power to Investigate and Punish Educators: Complaints can lead to criminal prosecution for librarians or the defunding of schools and libraries.
The Consequences: Who Gets Hurt?
SB 2307 will harm vulnerable communities and intellectual freedom. Here are the groups most affected:
- LGBTQ+ Youth: Books about identity, sexuality, and representation will be the first targeted.
- Marginalized Communities: Stories about historical injustices and oppression will likely disappear from shelves.
- Teachers and Librarians: They will face criminal prosecution or legal threats for protecting intellectual freedom.
- Students: Access to comprehensive academic research and truthful information will be severely limited.
This Isn’t Protection: It’s Government Overreach
SB 2307 uses the language of “protection” to justify state control over information. It threatens intellectual freedom by:
- Controlling what students and the public can read or learn.
- Punishing schools and libraries for offering diverse perspectives.
- Enforcing an ideologically driven agenda that stifles free thought.
If this bill passes, expect widespread censorship, ideological control, and the loss of essential public resources.
Take Action Against SB 2307
North Dakota citizens, teachers, students, and anyone who values intellectual freedom must fight back against this harmful bill. Here’s how you can help:
- Call Your Legislators: Urge them to vote NO on SB 2307.
- Spread the Word: Share this information and educate others about the threats posed by this bill.
- Support Libraries and Educators: Stand in solidarity with those resisting censorship and authoritarian policies.
North Dakota deserves schools and libraries that serve the public interest, not politicians’ ideologies. Stand up to censorship, protect intellectual freedom, and kill this bill.
Conclusion
SB 2307 threatens not only librarians and educators but the very foundation of free thought and education. By expanding vague definitions, targeting diverse perspectives, and punishing institutions, this legislation will erode the intellectual and cultural foundation of North Dakota.
To put it another way:
- North Dakotans believe in freedom—so why let politicians control school libraries?
- You don’t trust the government with your guns—why trust them with your books?
The real fear should be:
- What happens when the government gets to decide what’s “appropriate” for you and your family?
- What happens when they come for your books, your religious texts, or your history?