Hello Darren,


Clearing Up the Misinformation


Let’s set the record straight: I stand firmly in support of libraries, reading, and the freedom of speech.


Recently, I’ve been falsely accused of supporting book bans simply because I voted against a bill in committee related to reconsideration of books in schools. The truth? This bill didn’t even have enough support from the majority party to reach the House floor for a vote because it was poorly written and duplicative.


Both Norwalk and Darien Boards of Education, like most school districts, already have effective policies to handle concerns about books. This bill would have added layers of unnecessary bureaucracy, duplicating what local communities are already doing well.


It’s disappointing to see misleading information being spread. Those making these accusations clearly didn’t take the time to read the bill. Being a legislator is about more than sound bites – it’s about understanding the full picture. If you’d like to dig deeper into this issue, I encourage you to keep reading.

The Bill in Question: HB 5417


Let’s talk specifics. The bill I opposed, HB 5417, An Act Concerning School Libraries, was discussed in committee on March 20, 2024, but it never advanced to a vote in the General Assembly. Here’s why:


HB 5417 proposed that local Boards of Education form committees to review books that received complaints. These committees would follow a mandated process and offer feedback on whether a book should be restricted or reconsidered. The bill also included vague language mandating certain reasons, like race, political views, or sexuality, as unacceptable grounds for reconsideration. While there was some productive discussion, key points like age-appropriateness and grade level were not fully addressed, and the final wording remained unclear.

Why I Voted 'No'


I opposed this bill for several reasons:


  1. Unnecessary Bureaucracy: Most school districts, including Norwalk and Darien, already have established book reconsideration processes supported by the community. This bill would have created redundant layers of oversight that are simply not needed.
  2. A Better Approach: Instead of pushing for a new law, I proposed that the State Board of Education offer best practices to help districts that wish to update their policies. This would have been a more effective and flexible solution.
  3. Poorly Worded Legislation: The bill itself was poorly written, with unclear guidelines on valid reasons for reconsidering a book. In its current form, it did more to confuse than to clarify.

In conclusion, my vote was not about banning books—it was about standing up for local control, common sense, and avoiding unnecessary government interference. We need to focus on real issues, not manufactured ones.

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