ELE: Book Challenge

[Laurie Woodfin <lwoodfin@MASSED.NET>]

I am writing on behalf of a colleague in the same school system working in
a K-2 school library.  Last spring, the book "Jim Brown Runs With The Ball"
by Julian May was challenged by a parent because the word "nigger" was used
in the book.  However, it was used by Jim Brown, himself, to explain the
racism he experienced on the football field. The parent still felt it was
inappropriate language for a book in a library at this grade level and
continued this fall with the procedure that was put in place 30 years ago
for reconsideration of library material--filling out a form that was sent
to the principal. The next step will involve a meeting of a committee to
review the book. It seems the parent is adamant about following through on
this.  The librarian has prepared a rough draft of a letter to be sent to
the parent stating that a suitable replacement for the book is unavailable
and the letter ends with a strongly worded statement quoting pertinent
passages from the ALA Library Bill of Rights. Is this an appropriate
response to the parent?  In all probability, if a weeding of the biography
section were done, this book with a 1972 copyright date would not make the
cut if space were limited.  However, the librarian and I both feel that
taking the book off the shelf for this reason to avoid a confrontation is
wrong.  We would both appreciate any advice you can share!  Thanks so
much!!

Laurie Woodfin, Media Specialist
Margaret Neary School
Southborough, MA 01772
lwoodfin@massed.net

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=
To quit LM_NET (or set-reset NOMAIL or DIGEST), Send email to
 listserv@listserv.syr.edu         In the message write EITHER:
 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL or 3) SET LM_NET DIGEST
 3) SET LM_NET MAIL  * Please allow for confirmation from Listserv
 For LM_NET Help & Archives see:  http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=