Missouri Librarian Groups and ACLU Challenge SB 775 in Court

On February 23, 2023, the Missouri ACLU filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Jackson County on behalf of the Missouri Association of School Librarians and the Missouri Library Association. The lawsuit challenges Missouri Revised Statute §573.550, enacted as part of Senate Bill 775, which prohibits school officials from “providing explicit sexual material to a student.”

The plaintiffs argue that the statute is overly broad and violates First Amendment protections. According to the lawsuit, the language of the law creates uncertainty for school librarians and administrators responsible for reviewing library materials. The complaint asserts that the risk of criminal penalties may lead educators to remove or avoid books out of caution.

Since SB 775 took effect, multiple Missouri districts have reviewed or removed titles from their collections while assessing compliance. The lawsuit contends that this has resulted in inconsistent application across districts and may disproportionately affect books by or about minority and LGBTQ+ individuals.

The plaintiffs also argue that the statute lacks sufficient clarity regarding age distinctions and scope, raising concerns about how it applies across grade levels. Additionally, the complaint notes that Missouri law traditionally provides exceptions for works of art, scientific materials, and historically significant works—exceptions the plaintiffs claim may be undermined by the newer statute.

Supporters of SB 775 maintain that the law is intended to restrict access to sexually explicit material in school settings and to protect students from inappropriate content. Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden has publicly expressed skepticism about the legal challenge, stating that limiting explicit content in school libraries does not violate constitutional protections.

The case reflects a broader statewide and national debate surrounding school library materials, parental rights, age-appropriateness, and constitutional boundaries. As the legal process unfolds, districts—including Rockwood—continue to interpret and apply the statute within their existing review procedures.