Are These Books Also in the Classroom?
INappropriate Content
There are many books with inappropriate content deemed "educationally suitable" by administrators who haven't even read them.
How can inappropriate adult behavior not be tolerated in the workplace, yet administrators are tolerant of children's access to inappropriate content in schools?
Here are some perspectives from parents who understand the dangers of explicit content on young minds:
"SBISD makes our kids sign a Code of Conduct for Internet usage to guard against this very content, but then puts the content in the library..."
- Nottingham Elementary School parent, regarding graphic books such as Gender Queer.
"The district has a radical view of what is appropriate for young students. This petition focuses only on issues of which we are aware. But one must suspect that these issues represent just the tip of the iceberg."
- Wilchester Elementary School parent regarding Change.org petition
"It's so strange how the district wants parents to 'opt in' to a restricted list, but won't tell parents what THEY are opting into..."
-Stratford High School parent, regarding inappropriate books in SBISD libraries
SBISD Book Reconsideration Process
Do you find it interesting how the removal of books requires a formal challenge and a reconsideration committee, yet the processes to allow a book to occupy a place in libraries and classrooms are not as scrutinized?
Although professional staff members may select instructional resources for their use in accordance with District policy and administrative regulations, the ultimate authority for determining and approving the curriculum and instructional program of the District lies with the Board. As a parent, you may challenge books you find inappropriate by first meeting with the school's principal. If, after that meeting the parent still objects, they may file a formal complaint to the principal. The principal will form a reconsideration committee to review the disputed material. If the parent objects to the decision of the reconsideration committee, there is an appeals process that will commence.
SBISD Book Access Database
Explore genres, collections, titles and understand what books are in your child's library or other libraries system wide here.
Have you Heard of Gender Queer?
Gender Queer is a graphic novel that features pornographic content. It was included in multiple reading lists for pre-high school students. Our Superintendent Dr. Blaine removed the book from school libraries after parents brought it to her attention. But her email to all district parents about the incident only referred to the book’s inclusion in the library without acknowledging that the district had recommended it to students. The omission of that fact misleads parents about the district’s culpability.
Warning: here is a news outlet that published images of the inappropriate content, which are graphic.
