Blossom Dodge

I am a parent of four children and a dedicated public school educator with over 18 years of experience in early childhood education, including special education. I am writing in strong opposition to SB33, also known as the “Right to Challenge Act.” At first glance, this bill may appear to empower parents and promote transparency. But as both a parent and an educator, I can assure you that this legislation is neither protective nor constitutional—it is dangerous, vague, and deeply harmful to our public education system and to the students it serves. SB33 Threatens Our Constitutional Freedoms The bill’s language—specifically its references to materials that are "harmful to minors," "age-inappropriate," or "offensive"—is troublingly vague and subjective. These undefined terms open the door for content bans based not on professional or educational standards, but on personal ideology and bias. This is a direct threat to First Amendment rights, and it violates longstanding constitutional protections against government censorship. Supreme Court precedent—including Island Trees School District v. Pico (1982)—has held that the government cannot remove books from public school libraries simply because officials or community members disagree with their content. SB33 is in direct conflict with that precedent. It invites censorship and ideological control over educational content under the false guise of protecting children. SB33 Endangers Educational Equity and Excellence As an educator, I know how critical it is for students to encounter books and materials that reflect both their own identities and the diverse world around them. This bill will disproportionately target literature that includes LGBTQ+ characters, BIPOC voices, mental health themes, or honest historical accounts of racism and injustice. Already we have seen a nationwide rise in book challenges and bans that silence marginalized perspectives. This bill would accelerate that trend in New Hampshire classrooms, removing powerful texts that foster empathy, resilience, and critical thinking—qualities we should all want for our children. SB33 also undermines the expertise of teachers, librarians, and curriculum specialists—those who are professionally trained to select developmentally appropriate, enriching, and standards-aligned materials. Instead, it hands that authority to individuals who may not have any educational training but who wish to impose personal preferences on an entire school community. SB33 Wastes Time, Resources, and Trust This bill creates an enormous bureaucratic burden for school districts. Principals, already stretched thin, will be tasked with responding to complaints, reviewing materials, writing formal decisions, and preparing for appeals. School boards will be expected to read entire books and deliberate on content case-by-case, while also certifying their compliance—all within strict timelines. This is not an efficient use of time or taxpayer dollars. It takes focus away from what really matters: student learning, social development, and emotional well-being. More importantly, SB33 will erode the trust between educators and families. Rather than encouraging collaboration, it pits parents against teachers, encourages public shaming, and fosters division. Our children need the adults in their lives to work together, not against one another. In Summary I urge this committee to reject SB33 in its entirety. This bill is not about protecting children—it’s about silencing ideas. It does not empower parents—it endangers students and undermines professionals. It is not about transparency—it’s about control. Let us instead invest in strengthening the partnerships between families and schools, honoring the expertise of educators, and ensuring every child has access to the full richness of literature, inquiry, and identity that defines a free and vibrant education. Thank you for your time and commitment to our children and to the future of public education in New Hampshire.