Rhode Island § 29-9-5 - The Freedom to Read Act

§ 29-9-5. Declaratory and injunctive relief.

(a) A librarian who has been subjected to discipline, termination, or threats of discipline or termination for refusing to censor library materials in violation of policies established pursuant to this chapter may seek relief against a government body in any court of competent jurisdiction for declaratory and injunctive relief including, but not limited to, reinstatement, back pay, restoration of benefits, and such other equitable relief as may be appropriate and necessary to make the employee whole.

(b) An individual with a vested interest in a school or public library may seek relief in any court of competent jurisdiction for declaratory and injunctive relief against a government body that enforces censorship of library materials in violation of policies established pursuant to this chapter.

(1) A student, or the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s), may only challenge censorship of library materials relating to a school that the student attends.

(c) An author whose library materials have been subjected to censorship may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction for declaratory and injunctive relief against any government body that enforces censorship of library materials in violation of policies established pursuant to this chapter.

(d) Any school or library employee acting pursuant to direct orders from a municipal, state, or federal government authority shall not be liable for censorship.

(e) Any action or proceeding to enforce this section shall be commenced no later than one year after the date on which the violation of this section is committed.