Speaking Up for the Right to Read: How to Craft School Board Speeches That Make an Impact in 30 Seconds to 3 Minutes

In the growing fight against book censorship, one of the most effective ways to advocate for intellectual freedom is to speak directly to your local school board. These public meetings offer a critical opportunity to remind decision-makers of their responsibility to uphold the First Amendment, follow proper policies, and ensure that all students have access to a deep variety of literature curated by trained professionals.

But with public comment periods often limited to just 30 seconds to 3 minutes, how do you make the most of your time? Whether you’re a parent, student, educator, or concerned citizen, preparing your remarks with intention and clarity can help you deliver a powerful message, no matter how long you have.

Below is a guide for crafting compelling school board speeches that fit into common time limits. Use it as a blueprint to structure your remarks, find your voice, and stand up for the freedom to read.

30-Second Speech: A Clear, Bold Statement of Principle

In just 30 seconds, your goal is to make a direct, values-based statement that underscores your support for the First Amendment and the due process that should guide all book review decisions. This is especially useful when you're one of many speakers or time is restricted.

Structure:

• State your name and relation to the district (parent, resident, etc.)
  
  
• Make a clear statement of support for intellectual freedom
  
  
• Emphasize the importance of following policy and due process
  
  

Example:

“My name is Jordan Lee, and I’m a parent in this district. I’m here to voice my strong support for the First Amendment and every student’s right to access a wide range of ideas and stories. We must protect due process in our book review policies and resist any efforts to ban books based on ideology or personal bias.”

Even with just half a minute, you’ve delivered a clear, firm stance that will be recorded in the public record.

1-Minute Speech: Acknowledging the Board or Raising Concern

In one minute, you can expand on your core message by acknowledging the board’s positive efforts or calling attention to areas of concern. This is your opportunity to build rapport or respectfully highlight where the board is falling short of its obligations.

Structure:

• Begin with your 30-second core statement
  
  
• Add a sentence of gratitude or a pointed observation about board actions
  
  
• Reaffirm your call for due process and student access
  
  

Example:

“I’m Morgan Hill, a teacher and resident of this district. I support the First Amendment and the right of all students to read freely. I want to thank this board for following policy during recent book challenges and ensuring decisions were made fairly and transparently. That process matters. It ensures that all viewpoints are respected and that no one ideology dictates what our students can or cannot read.”

Or, if voicing concern:

“I appreciate the chance to speak. I was deeply concerned when this board voted to remove books without following the formal review process. That decision undermines trust in our public institutions and sets a dangerous precedent. Please recommit to following policy and protecting student access to literature.”

2-Minute Speech: Emphasizing Choice, Access, and Professional Judgment

With two minutes, you can begin to include context about why access to diverse books matters—and how trained professionals are best equipped to curate those collections. This allows you to speak directly to the educational value of literature and the role of school librarians.

Structure:

• Restate your First Amendment support
  
  
• Emphasize the importance of access to a variety of books
  
  
• Explain how trained educators and librarians serve student needs
  
  
• Reiterate your call to respect professional judgment and district policies
  
  

Example:

“My name is Denise Rivera, and I’m a parent of two high schoolers. I’m here today to support the First Amendment and every student’s right to read. Our students are not all the same. They come from different families, backgrounds, and experiences, and they deserve books that reflect and expand their worlds.

That’s why school libraries must offer a wide range of books, including those that some families may choose not to read. No one is being forced to check out a book they’re not comfortable with, but every student deserves the option.

I trust our certified librarians and educators to make those curation decisions based on professional standards, not political pressure. Please support their work by following district policies and resisting efforts to censor content based on ideology.”

3-Minute Speech: Add Your Personal Story

In three minutes, you have the space to connect on a human level by sharing a story, either your own or that of your child. This is often what leaves the strongest impression. Personal stories are memorable, relatable, and powerful reminders of what’s at stake when books are banned.

Structure:

• Restate your core values and policy support
  
  
• Briefly describe why student access and diverse books matter
  
  
• Share a short, impactful personal story about a meaningful book
  
  
• Reinforce trust in librarians and district policy
  
  

Example:

“Good evening, I’m Priya Singh, a parent and lifelong reader. I want to begin by affirming my support for the First Amendment and the right of every student to access a diverse and inclusive library. I’m also here to ask this board to uphold the district’s policies for book review and to support the trained professionals who work hard to meet the needs of all our students, not just the loudest voices.

When my son was in 8th grade, he struggled with depression and anxiety. He’s not the kind of kid who opens up easily. But one day, he brought home a novel called Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman, and everything changed. That book gave him language for what he was feeling. It helped him realize he wasn’t alone, and it helped me understand how to support him.

Books like that save lives. Pulling them off shelves because they make some people uncomfortable doesn’t protect students, it harms them.

We don’t need to agree with every book. We just need to protect the freedom for students to find the books they need, when they need them. Please support your librarians. Please follow due process. And please remember that every book pulled is a story that one child may never get to read at exactly the moment they needed it.”

Tips for All Speech Lengths

• Practice aloud. Time yourself to make sure you stay within the limit.
  
  
• Use plain language. Avoid jargon and get to the point quickly.
  
  
• Stay calm and focused. Passion is important, but so is clarity.
  
  
• Bring a copy. Hand your remarks to the board clerk if written comment is allowed.
  
  
• Thank the board. Regardless of their decisions, show that you’re participating in good faith.

Final Thoughts: Your Voice Matters

Every public comment is a chance to educate, connect, and make change. When school boards hear from a range of community members—not just the loudest critics—they’re reminded of their duty to serve all students.

Speaking up doesn’t require being an expert. It requires being present, being prepared, and being willing to stand up for the right to read.

We encourage everyone who supports intellectual freedom to find a school board meeting in their area, prepare a short speech, and use their voice to make a difference.

And if you really want to make an impact, consider going one step further: get to know your local library or school board and consider volunteering to serve on it. These boards shape the future of public education and access. Your voice is needed at the table, not just at the microphone.