Section 4-142 - [See Note] School library media program standards(a) It is the policy of the State that each local school system operate its school library media program consistent with the following standards:(1) The materials, services, and resources provided in a school library media program are provided for the interest, information, and instructional support of students and school personnel of the schools the program serves;(2) Materials may not be excluded from a school library media program solely because of the origin, background, or views of the individual who created the material; and(3) Materials may not be excluded or removed from the catalogue of a school library media program because of partisan, ideological, or religious disapproval .
(b)(1) Each local school system shall develop and implement a policy and procedures to review objections to materials in the school library media program.(2) The policy and procedures developed under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall: (i) Establish a uniform process to submit an objection to materials in a school library media program by a student, parent or guardian of a student enrolled in a school in the local school system, or school personnel;(ii) Require materials under review due to an objection to remain available for use by students and school personnel until the review process has concluded; and(iii) Establish a reasonable timeline to conduct and conclude the review process in a timely manner.(c) A county board may not dismiss, demote, suspend, discipline, reassign, transfer, or otherwise retaliate against a librarian, a certified library media specialist, or school library media program support staff for performing their job duties consistent with the standards described under subsection (a) of this section.Added by 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 130,Sec. 1, eff. 4/25/2024.Added by 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 129,Sec. 1, eff. 4/25/2024.This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.