Re: Censorship

Does your district have a challenged book policy? If so,
that is the place to start. If the teacher is unwilling to
fill out the forms for a formal complaint, then there is no
complaiant. The book must be returned with the formal
complaint so that the book committee can read the book and
analyze the content for appropriateness. In my district, the
book committee consists of the Media Specialist, an
administrator, a parent (other than the one writing the
complaint) and at least one classroom teacher. Just because
one person has an issue, doesn't mean that the book should be
pulled. By looking at the context, the committee may find
that the language is appropriate. After all, how many 4th-
6th graders call them mammary glands?

Good luck, it is always nerve wrecking to have a book
challenged. But, if the procedures are followed, then every
book gets a fair evaluation.

On 5/25/09, J wrote:
> Hi there! I am currently taking a class on Censorship. I
> have been reading a lot of articles etc. on the Library
> Bill of Rights and Intellectual Freedom. How would you
> handle this scenario in your building? A teacher in the
> building complains over a book that 4th-6th graders are
> going to read for Battle of the books. It is called, To
> Dance (graphic Novel) In the book the author refers to the
> word "boobs" and also it discusses their size etc. The
> teacher complains about it and wants it pulled from the
> kids. He also won't return the copy that he has until the
> issue is resolved. So how would you handle it? Who would be
> your resource to prevent the censorship from taking place.
> Any help with this would be GREAT! Thank you