“Books are the window that allow our students to see and explore the world. They can teach us, they challenge us, they open our imaginations, but they are also safe places,” said Rep. Friel. “Sometimes, our kids, they’re out there, they’re by themselves. They think they’re alone, but it is in the library where they discover they are not.” Read more
The road carries about 800 vehicles per day, many of them school buses. Photo: Evan Brandt for The Pottstown Mercury Read more
The press conference, held at Saint Peter’s Bakery in Elverson, highlighted the problems with St. Peters Road that have been caused by years of erosion of the steep slope between the roadway and French Creek in Warwick Township (Chester County). Read more
On the rare occasions when LGBTQ issues do come up at school, they serve to educate, not influence. Read more
Friel has introduced House Bill 1506, the Freedom to Read Act, which aims to streamline the process for appeals against book bans. The bill, now in the House Education Committee, proposes that the responsibility for reviews be placed with a regional committee of instructional experts. Read more
HARRISBURG, PA − October 6, 2023 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, and state Rep. Ryan Bizarro (D-Erie), chair of the House Majority Policy Committee, joined Senator Amanda Cappelletti (D-Montgomery/Delaware) and Rep. Paul Friel (D-Chester) to co-host a public hearing in Harrisburg yesterday on the impact of censorship and book bans in public and school libraries. The hearing, held at the State Capitol, featured three panels of testimony that included perspectives from educators, parents, and policy experts who discussed the rise in book bans across the Commonwealth and the country. “Book bans are part of a fear mongering, hate-filled, discriminatory, national political agenda that is taking aim at our public schools and libraries across the nation and here in our Commonwealth. All students – no matter what they look like, how they identify, where they are from, or who they love – deserve to see themselves or discover themselves in stories told in books – and book bans strip that freedom away,” Muth said. “Book bans and censorship are part of a greater movement to whitewash history and silence already marginalized and minority communities – and we need our all elected officials to stand up for free speech and protect all of our children from any attack that threatens their ability to thrive and be who they are.” The American Read more
Each panelist was given the opportunity to address what is happening in their perspective districts across Chester County. Read more
Groups tracking book challenges, like the American Library Association (ALA), have reported that many challenged books are often related to books about racism and the LGBTQ community. Read more
I joined Sen. Amanda Cappelletti and students, teachers, and librarians from around the commonwealth to discuss the concerning rise in censorship & book bans, as well as our proposed legislative solutions. Read more
On behalf of the communities represented by the 26th District, I want to thank and acknowledge our dedicated law enforcement professionals. Read more
The Freedom to Read Act would reaffirm First Amendment rights of students to access all educational resources, even books that some in the community may disapprove of. Read more
State Rep. Paul Friel said he is confident that improving this busy intersection will serve to make Phoenixville an even more walkable, safe, and accessible town for all who live, visit, and do business. Read more
Noting that the oldest building in OJR is about 25 years old, while Pottstown’s are much older, [Rep. Friel] posited that it is unfair of the state to underfund districts with higher maintenance and capital costs and less money to pay those bills. Read more
Rep. Paul Friel, of the 26th District, says his state House Bill 1506 could go a long way in meeting the concerns of parents rights groups while also preserving the First Amendment rights of students. Read more
Rep. Paul Friel said many school districts in Pennsylvania are struggling under a heightened sense of cultural polarization, often centered around the nature of books and other educational resources in schools. Read more
As the number of challenges to books in school libraries continues to rise, state Rep. Paul Friel, D-26th Dist., has introduced a bill he hopes will “take the political temperature down one notch.” Read more
Friel noted that many school districts in Pennsylvania are struggling under a heightened sense of cultural polarization, often centered around the nature of books and other educational resources in schools. Read more
The legislation would protect the first amendment rights of students and provide direction for schools as they navigate the increase in book challenges. Read more
Our office hours in Elverson kick off next week! We will be located in the historic Elverson Train Station every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by to see how my team and I can assist you. Read more
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