Dear LM_NET Colleagues,
Our school received a call yesterday from a parent (of an 11 yr. old =
6th
grader) who was upset about the choice of this title for our next book
discussion group. My principal spoke with her and indicated to me that
nothing short of removing the book from our school would satisfy this =
woman
and asked me to give her a call. First of all let me give you a little
background : our book discussion groups meet approximately once each =
month
after school. Any student in grades 6-8 is welcome and it is, of course,
voluntary. THe group of students who attend the very first meeting =
determine
what the titles will be for the year. I provide them with suggestions, =
they
are free to add to the suggested titles and then a vote is taken. THis
woman's daughter has just joined the group last month. I provide copies =
of
the titles to any student who would like to join us. THis year the funds
come from a donation from our Student Council. THe woman objects to
references in the book to sexual activity, getting high and smoking. ( I
haven't reached the section in the book she objects to yet myself, the =
book
is about obsessive compulsive disorder). ANyway, I am going to provide =
her
with a copy of our objectionable materials policy, and hope for the =
best.
But it certainly has raised questions for me that I didn't consider =
prior to
this incident. This woman is not satisfied with my answer that the group =
is
voluntary and her daughter is not forced to attend, but rather feels =
that
the choices offered throughout the year should all be "safe"(my word, =
for
lack of a better one) enough for her daughter to be able to attend. She =
told
me she was "shocked and horrified" that I would even have this book in =
the
library. I've never been through a challenge before and it's hard not =
to
take it personally. But for those of you who offer book discussion =
groups
for your students, do you stay away from potentially controversial =
titles?
Do you separate the grade levels and offer something different for =
younger
students? Have I been remiss in not sending home some type of
notification/disclaimer to parents? I started offering these discussion
groups 3 years ago and I do it on my own time - it's not a "funded"
activity, but quite frankly, if I have to start screening the potential
titles for any hints of controversy, I think I will just cease to offer
this. Any insight, advice, etc. you can offer will be greatly =
appreciated.
Thanks.
Jane Perry/School Library Media Specialist
Winslow Jr. High Library
10 Danielson ST.
Winslow, ME 04901
jperry@winslow-jhs.u52.k12.me.us
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