A challenge over what kind of materials should be available to students in the Carroll Community School District’s media centers continued last night (Monday) during the board of education’s October meeting. For months, a group of parents has advocated for having a handful of books placed on a restricted list or removed from the libraries due to the graphic sexual depictions they contain. Amy Dea, one of the parents spearheading the effort, says the board’s position on the books in question is hypocritical.
Two other parents spoke in favor of removing at least 10 books from the district’s catalog. The group noted they are not advocating for banning books. They want consistency across school policy and to protect students from what they see as harmful materials. The board was unable to comment directly on the input received during the public forum, but they did address several of the relevant policies later in the meeting. Policy 630 outlines the procedures and timelines for objecting to instructional and media center content. Board member Duane Horsley suggested the board create a special category for highly-questionable materials.
Horsley noted he pulled much of the language in his proposed revision directly from the district’s policy regulating student use of electronic devices. He sees this adjustment as an acceptable middle ground supporting public education while respecting parental rights. The board did not object to Horsley’s amendment, but Board President Cindy Johnson questioned how it would affect students who did not receive parental approval for materials.
Officials will consider the amended policy’s second reading during their November 21 meeting. The board also approved the creation of a review committee to consider formal complaints submitted regarding 10 books currently found in the high school media center. The committee consists of a Heartland AEA media specialist, licensed staff, students, and community members. With a roster now approved, the committee will likely meet several times over the coming months to review the materials cited in the complaints. The last time parents objected to instructional material was in 2006 concerning the coming-of-age novel, “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.”
