Bates, who headed the state NAACP, mentored the Black students known as the Little Rock Nine who integrated Central High School in 1957.
Jason Rapert’s appointment places an outspoken conservative on the panel at a time when libraries are facing increased challenges from Republican lawmakers to limit access to materials that include sex or LGBTQ+ themes.
The Arkansas Press Association said the latest bills ‘give our elected officials and their families a level of safety they deserve.’
In calling for the restrictions, Sarah Huckabee Sanders has cited death threats she has faced over the years, going back to her time as former President Donald Trump’s press secretary.
‘The ramifications of this bill are great, especially for ethnic minorities, for women and for disabled veterans.’
‘If you need your child to be entertained by a big human in a costume, take them to the circus or something.’
