Book Controversy

A good deal of recent media attention has focused on books being offered at Bedford High School.  As such, I want to be very clear on my position.

First, I recognize the right of any individual parent to request that his/her own child not read a given book.  Existing policies ensure that if a parent finds selected material to be offensive, alternative curriculum will be offered to the student. 

Second, if a citizen believes that classroom materials are inappropriate, he/she has a right to request that the materials be reevaluated.  Again, a policy exists to ensure that a thoughtful review takes place.

The issue here is the subjective nature of literature - what one parent may find objectionable may be viewed by another parent as perfectly acceptable.  And in my opinion the district has a responsibility not to force the views of some upon all.  Because of the rather subjective nature of this issue, I recommend that the district pursues two parallel paths:

1. The district should follow existing policy.  Although it may be tempting for school board members to immediately opine on the relative merits and shortcomings of any book being challenged, the board should allow for a thoughtful review process to take place, consistent with policy.  Ultimately the board has the final say, but it should exercise discipline and restraint, allowing time for a thorough investigation of any book being challenged.

2. The district should provide additional guidance to staff regarding what is and isn’t acceptable, thereby reducing subjectivity.  The public should be allowed significant input to this guidance.