Groups representing booksellers, librarians, publishers, teachers and writers joined the American Civil Liberties Union and People for the American Way today in urging school officials in Zeeland, Michigan, to rescind restrictions on J.K. Rowling's bestselling Harry Potter books, including a ban on classroom readings and a requirement that children obtain parental permission before checking the books out of school libraries. "We believe that these restrictions violate the First Amendment rights of students, teachers and parents in Zeeland," the statement said. The full text of the statement is available on the web site of the Free Expression Network, www.freeexpression.org.

Zeeland School Superintendent Gary Feenstra has faced mounting opposition since he imposed restrictions on the Potter books on November 22. A local group, Muggles for Harry Potter, has led fight. A national group has also been formed and has signed up over 2,000 people since it launched a web site on March 7, www.mugglesforharrypotter.org.

In response to the protests, Feenstra recently announced the formation of an advisory committee that will review his policy and recommend possible changes by May 1. The statement issued today has been sent to the committee to demonstrate the breadth of the opposition to the policy.

The other groups endorsing the statement are American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, Association of American Publishers, Association of Booksellers for Children, Boston Coalition for Free Expression, Children's Book Council, Feminists for Free Expression, Free Speech Coalition, Freedom to Read Foundation, Institute for Unpopular Culture, National Campaign for Free Expression, National Coalition Against Censorship, National Council for Teachers of English, Peacefire.com, and PEN American Center.