Westword: Here’s the thing about free speech: It isn’t just about what you say. The First Amendment guarantees the freedom to access information and read for all, including children.

Fortunately, Colorado students and educators returned to the classroom this fall with new defenses against school book bans. A state law passed last spring protects educators and school libraries from politically-motivated attacks and retaliation. This new law builds on right-to-read safeguards passed in 2024 for Colorado public librarians.

As attacks against books and librarians skyrocket nationally, Colorado is moving in the right direction. But there’s still work to do.

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