Banning books

The School rejects banning a book. Good for them I am not affine for banning books. The board also had some other notable activities from last night they are listed below.



Board rejects ban of sexually explicit books
EDUCATION:Instead of a ban, the School Board moves toward adopting guidelines for choosing instructional materials.
BY JAKE WEYER
NEWS TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
DULUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Some parents, students and teachers in the Duluth school district are concerned about the possibility of banning the use of sexually explicit materials.
District officials have been looking at revising policies related to the selection of instructional materials since early in the school year, when a family complained about a book assignment. The family recommended amending the district's policy to ban the use of sexually explicit books, said Rex Hein, director of curriculum, assessment and staff development for the district.
Although the recommendation was considered, the district is considering using the Minnesota School Board Association's policy, which was approved for its first reading at Tuesday night's School Board meeting. All members voted in favor except Bevan Schraw, who thought the subject needed further review and discussion.
According to district informa- tion, the new policy would require staff members to select materials that:
• support the goals and objectives of the education programs;
• consider the needs, age and maturity of students;
• foster respect and appreciation for cultural diversity and varied opinion;
• fit with the constraints of the school district budget;
• and are in the English language, though another language may be used pursuant to Minnesota statute.
Teachers, parents and students voiced their support for the policy Tuesday and spoke to the board about their concerns.
Chloe Strand, a 15-year-old ninth-grade student at East High School, told the board that students need challenging and diverse materials to get them to think critically and prepare for the real world.
Jill Lofald, an English teacher at Denfeld, said she spoke for her fellow teachers when endorsing the new policy.
The speakers talked about academic freedoms, and one used Hitler's regime to illustrate the negative aspects of censorship. Board member Tim Grover thought some of the comments were over-the-top and unfairly attacked the family that brought the concern to the board.
"Tonight, I think we have reached a new low with the name of Hitler being brought up," Grover said.



The board also approved for second reading a related policy that included guidelines for parents who would like to request alternative resources. Grover and Schraw voted against the policy, which they said required further review.
The board also:
• recognized departing member Schraw's achievements and gave him a plaque;
• approved a resolution allowing student advisers to the School Board. Three students -- Michael Wasson of East High School, Melanie Schraw of Denfeld High School and Joe Fisketti of Central High School -- have been selected and will begin early next month. The students will not be allowed to vote or attend closed meetings;
• approved a 7.9 percent property tax levy increase.
• heard information on a districtwide facilities plan.


Merry Christmas