The Honorable Brain P.

Kemp
206 Washington St.
Suite 203, State Capitol
Atlanta, GA 30334

Dear Governor Kemp,

I urge you to consider how First Amendment Rights are under attack in our country. The
first place children have access to books if not in their home is in school and libraries. The
American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights states, “A person’s right to use a library
should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views.” Even more than
that, the First Amendment protects the right of students and was created to create citizens in
which they have self-governance. The right to information and knowledge is very essential to our
democracy. Furthermore, the Fourteenth Amendment protects the people’s rights to public
education. PEN American reported in July 2022 that over 4 million students lost access to books
in their schools.

Books give students the opportunity to see themselves and others This helps us to better
understand cultures and ideas other than our own which in return creates empathy and
understanding. Senate Bill 377 has deprived students of their First Amendment right and are so
vague that it has created confusion among educators. While the law doesn’t prevent us teaches
from teaching historical events, it has led to teachers not elaborating on root causes for fear.
Where will one draw the line between discussion and advocacy? As an educator, I am concerned
about book bans and the negative impacts they will have on our students.

Sincerely,

Haley Taylor