ACLU of Arkansas Urges State to Reject Proposed Library Censorship Rule

LITTLE ROCK — The ACLU of Arkansas today submitted comments opposing a proposed Arkansas Department of Education rule that would require public libraries to restrict access to a broad range of constitutionally protected materials in order to receive state funding.

In comments submitted to the Department, the ACLU of Arkansas warned that the rule’s sweeping definition of “sexually explicit” material would encompass many books and educational resources that are protected under the First Amendment, including materials with literary, scientific, medical, artistic, and educational value.

“The proposed rule would force libraries to restrict access to a vast amount of constitutionally protected material and would undermine the professional judgment of librarians,” said John C. Williams, legal director of the ACLU of Arkansas. “Arkansans do not lose their First Amendment rights at the library door, and the state should not condition funding on policies that violate those rights.”

The ACLU’s comments also argue that requiring parental permission for minors to access certain materials, forcing books into adult-designated sections, and prohibiting librarians from recommending or displaying certain books would burden the constitutional rights of both library patrons and librarians.

The organization urged the Department to withdraw the proposed rule or significantly narrow its scope to avoid violating the First Amendment and exposing the state and public libraries to potential litigation.

The full comment letter was submitted to the Arkansas Department of Education on June 15, 2026.