CITY COUNCIL SUPPORT OF S.2726/H.3594: AN ACT REGARDING FREE EXPRESSION

A pending state bill, titled An Act regarding free expression (Bill S.2726, Bill H.3594) protects against attempts to ban, restrict, or remove access to books and other public library resources in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by requiring school committees and other school library authorities to establish a written policy for the selection and use of library materials, including responses to attempts to remove or restrict library materials, in accordance with standards adopted by the American Library Association; and

The bills further protects librarians from retaliation for the selection of library materials made in good faith and in accordance with approved school policy; and

The Cambridge City Council recognizes the importance of protecting our public libraries and librarians from censorship campaigns and ensuring that library curation standards are set by the professional expertise of the American Library Association rather than political whims; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record in support of S.2726 and H.3594 and urges the Massachusetts Legislature to pass and for the governor to sign the bill without delay; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the Cambridge state legislative delegation on behalf of the entire City Council. In City Council March 2, 2026. Adopted by a yea and nay vote:- Yeas 9; Nays 0; Absent 0. Attest:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk A true copy; ATTEST:- Paula M. Crane

Interim City Clerk