READER Act’s noble goal faces constitutional challenges | Opinion
Under the measure, book vendors are required to develop a rating system for the books they plan to sell to Texas schools that contain references or depictions of sexual activity — categorizing each book as sexually explicit, sexually relevant or no rating, which will be featured on the Texas Education Agency’s website. The bill also requires booksellers to provide the TEA with a list of previously sold, sexually explicit books that are currently in “active use” in the schools.
Not only does the First Amendment protect speech, it also limits the government’s ability to compel speech from private citizens and businesses. As the plaintiffs highlight, forcing vendors to subjectively rate literature and, if disputed, to adopt the TEA’s corrected rating as their own constitutes the sort of compelled speech the First Amendment guards against.
Granted, every family has different values. What’s acceptable to one family might be considered obscene by another. As currently written, the bill will empower the state to intervene in such gray areas by altering the vendor-assigned ratings if it disagrees. But in a perfect world, all literature in the gray area would be left out of school curricula and left up to individual parents’ discretion.
on shaky First Amendment grounds. Even if the plaintiffs successfully enjoin the bill based on the rating mechanism, the underlying purpose has clearly gained traction with the voting public and will hopefully be accomplished in another way. Jill Jacobson is a law student at Boston College Law School and a contributor at Young Voices based in Boston. She wrote this column for The Dallas Morning News.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Review: The Beanie Bubble - Chicago ReaderThe Beanie Bubble could not be more generic; it’s timeless and placeless, in the bad way. | ✍️ johnwilmeswords
Read more »
The waves - Chicago ReaderThe elements water and air both seem to possess an aloof quality. They lurk until they want their presence known, like a hurricane. Water drips through our synapses and air expands our lungs like bellows. We’re beings of water and air, held aloft by the systems we create to corral waves and tame winds. This […]
Read more »
Reader wants his 1940 Packard to carry its original license platesThere are several ways to get the DMV to approve an old car carrying vintage plates.
Read more »
Port of Entry offers an exhilarating journey - Chicago ReaderPort of Entry is sold out through the rest of the year, but there is a waiting list for those interested. Additional tickets will go on sale for 2024 soon. | ✍️ kerryreid
Read more »
‘A Dreamhouse,’ streetwear, justice for ‘comfort women,’ and more - Chicago ReaderSat 8/5 gerberhart hosts an opening for 'A Dreamhouse of Our Own,' a new exhibit inspired by Barbie. Plus Satanic Temple IL hosts a menstrual & hygiene products drive with Pilsen Food Pantry & others through 8/31. More in The To-Do: | ✍️ JuggaloReporter
Read more »
Jackalope makes way for migrants - Chicago Reader.JackalopeTC moves out of the Broadway Armory temporarily, a look back on Chicago theatre trailblazer Doug Bragan's life, and some news from the dance community in this week's Ghost Light column. | ✍️ kerryreid
Read more »