The Carroll Community School District (CCSD) Board of Education made their final determination concerning challenged books in their library, and officials had a lengthy discussion during Monday’s meeting on how the process has been handled. So far, all books brought to the board from the Reconsideration Committee have stayed within the schools’ libraries. The last book the committee reviewed was “Tricks” by Ellen Hopkins. Board Member Karen Friedlein says she has been concerned with the recommendation process.
Senate File 496 passed in the Iowa House in March, which puts restrictions on Iowa schools regarding teaching students gender identity and sexual orientation before they would be considered age appropriate. The bill restricts any book that details or depicts sex acts, schools would need written consent from parents to call a student by a different set of pronouns, and schools would need to list the books in the district’s library online. Districts would also need to provide a process for parents to challenge curriculum and library materials. Friedlein went on to say the book “Tricks” contains passages that could be considered pornographic.
Board Member Duane Horsley expressed the same concerns as Friedlein.
Board President Cindy Johnson says one of the main things that guides a school board is policies, and they have followed those to the letter throughout this process; however, she believes it could lead to a slippery slope when they tell parents what they can and cannot do.
The board voted 3-2 to keep “Tricks” by Ellen Hopkins in the library, with Horsley and Friedlein voting no. All books flagged for their graphic content and reviewed have stayed in the district since the start of this process.
