Speakers urge Henderson County board to oppose House Bill 1043 literature restrictions

Multiple members of the public used the board's public-comment period on May 11 to urge trustees to oppose proposed state legislation that would limit materials available in school libraries.

Paul Weichelbaum addressed the board to oppose what he called North Carolina House Bill 1043, describing it as an "obscene book banning proposal" that undermines First Amendment protections and asking the board to reject interference by state lawmakers. He said the measure would prejudice library speech and compared the sponsors to a new form of political censorship.

Robert Cannon of Henderson County Public Schools Strong — a nonpartisan volunteer advocacy group — presented a four-point policy platform advocating increased funding for students with disabilities, higher educator pay (a 10% target), protections for immigrant students, and opposition to federal vouchers that would shift public funds away from district schools.

Other public commenters offered personal testimony celebrating graduates, teachers and school staff, and recounted the role of schools in the community; a small number read religious texts as part of their remarks. Trustees heard these remarks during the public-comment portion before moving to the consent agenda and subsequent business.

Board members did not take a formal vote on HB 1043 during this meeting; the speakers asked the board to communicate opposition to state legislators and to affirm support for public-school libraries and inclusive learning environments.