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There have been some “smart” and “thoughtful” people posting about this subject to LM_NET. Even though I only have one of those two aforementioned characteristics, I will submit my experience. Last year, we dealt with several book challenges, some going only to the informal “school personnel only” meetings---all the way to the “large room community/school board emotionally charged meeting.” (The challenges continue this year, but, so far, with less fervor. And, thanks to my administration, we have our challenge process well established.) Thoughts: The word “appropriate” is a “front” word, beyond which lies the whole gamut of human emotions. I will not attempt to define the word “appropriate” and will leave that definition up to you. Most of the book challenges in my district dealt with books that were “not appropriate” for middle school students, (grades 5-8), but rather should be moved to the high school, (grades 9-12). (Would that type of move, in your mind, constitute a ban?) And here, also, is where the concept of “in loco parentis” falls apart. When all of the books in a 5-8 school are intermingled within the same collection, some parents will believe their fifth grade children to be in grave danger. The parents of eighth grade children may think and feel otherwise. (Are we going to eventually end up with book collections specific to each grade?) In fact, we had to eventually devise an elaborate system which gave parents decision-making power for the reading choices of their children. In essence, we had to establish a “profile” for each student. (Thank goodness for computerized book circulation systems that allow for us to create and monitor individual reading choices.) It helps, when dealing with parents and emotionally charged book challenges, to not create an oppositional atmosphere. Reach out to opponents; or, at least, attempt to empathize with them. Respect their opinions and who they are, while at the same time maintaining your own standards, and, your own professional dignity. There is idealism and there is pragmatism. They each have their value and their place in schools and in society. We human beings are a blend of the two. If you ever have to deal with book challenges, you may need to ask yourself to which side of that blend you gravitate. thomas neil tomporowski Perham High School LMC Prairie Wind Middle School LMC Perham, MN , USA 56573 ttomporowski@perham.k12.mn.us www.perham.k12.mn.us/phs/staff/ttomporowski -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html --------------------------------------------------------------------