Indiana school library materials bill revived in committee

Indiana lawmakers on Wednesday added controversial language to a state House bill that would remove a legal defense for school libraries if their educators are accused of offering library books deemed harmful to students. Those who supported the legislation worried sexually inappropriate or “pornographic” materials are available to children in Indiana school libraries. Critics, however, were concerned the legislation could open the door to criminal prosecutions of educators for providing books about so-called controversial topics. Under the bill, Indiana public schools would be required to create a complaints process for community members who take issue with or find obscene a book assigned or available to their child.