SB 17 allows for K-12 schools and public libraries to be prosecuted for books and other materials deemed to be harmful, including obscenity, pornography or violence.

According to the author of the bill, Sen. James Tomes, R-Wadesville, the bill “removes the word education as a defense.” In other words, a school or library would be unable to claim that the alleged obscenity in a book is “educational.”

The testimonial portion of the hearing highlighted the growing divide in the state regarding education, as many concerned parents voiced their support for more control over what media their children are absorbing while many teachers and librarians spoke out against the bill as a limit on individual and institutional freedoms.

Parent Brett Carpenter explained his support of the bill by saying, “I am not for censorship, but I am for discretion.” He argued the bill would protect children from needlessly obscene media in schools and on library shelves.

Kelly Ehinger, director for Adams Public Library System, explained her opposition to the bill: “Because libraries serve all people, not everyone will be interested or like everything at the library.” Her opposition also rested on her belief that current, local policies in place for parents to request material removal are sufficient.

Chris Mitchell, an affiliate for the nonprofit IN Library Federation, also spoke in opposition to SB 17. His main concern regarded the potential for varying parental opinions to have the ability to launch felony charges against staff of schools and libraries.