SNOW HILL– The school system launched a formal review of a controversial book after requests by community members.
Worcester County Public Schools received two review requests, one from a Stephen Decatur High School parent and another from a community member, regarding the book “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson. Last month, citizens shared concerns about sexually explicit passages in the book at a school board meeting.
“This idea of challenging books, this isn’t a local thing,” said Jennifer Sills, the school system’s coordinator of science and library media. “This is happening nationwide. If anyone’s following the news you’ll see these same titles are being brought up nationally.”
When a member of the public shared an audio recording of several explicit passages from “All Boys Aren’t Blue” at last month’s Worcester County Board of Education meeting, Sills advised officials no formal complaints had been filed. She acknowledged that the book, which is described on its cover as the author’s “memories of growing up Black and queer in America,” was available for check-out in media centers at the local high schools. She also outlined the school system’s library and review policies.
In the wake of that meeting, two review requests regarding “All Boys Aren’t Blue” have been received. Sills said a parent submitted a review request at Stephen Decatur High School last Monday and a community member submitted one to the central office last Thursday.
Wow !!!! This is the same book that was addressed Tuesday night at the Wicomico County School board meeting at West Salisbury School. After raising cain at the meeting we were assured the book had been “pulled” from Parkside and Wi-Hi (not sure about that or if it was Bennett) This book should not even be at a porn store !!! Disgusting – BUT the school board approved it in the FIRST PLACE. They were given a heads up by their attorney about the book and were ready with an answer Tuesday night. EVERYONE on the board needs to be replaced. They do not have anyone’s children at heart, too afraid to do what is against the Libs. WBOC was notified also and was requested to attend but of course they didn’t bother to show up !!!!
The problem is luciferian ideology is a religion and should not be taught in schools. just as Christianity is a religion and it’s also not allowed in schools. When in fact Christian values are more aligned with truth honesty And love for fellow man. whereas Luciferian idealogy. Well we see where that goes
Let’s get your facts straight. The book was at Mardela and Parkside. As soon as a board member heard about the book. Dr. Hanlin and Mr. Malone were contacted. The book was removed from the two schools the next school day. This book never went before the board or the curriculum council. Library books come from many different sources. Some of them are on a state list. The people who paraded before the board on Tuesday evening with their billboards are not from Wicomico County and have given their presentation at several BOE meetings. If Wicomico County parents want to protest the book, let them come to a meeting, but we do not need outsiders to try to make trouble.
Anonymous 4:43 PM – Hi Tonya! Outsiders? Looks like you need to not only learn your role as a board member, but also the WCBOE non-discriminatory statement which reads:
Wicomico County Public Schools (WCPS) prohibits illegal discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, immigration status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, family/parental status, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, poverty and socioeconomic status, language, or other legally or constitutionally protected attributes or affiliations and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated Title 36 youth groups. Discrimination undermines our community’s long-standing efforts to create, foster, and promote equity, inclusion, and acceptance for all.
Just because a book is printed a library is under no obligation to order it. Patrons of school or public libraries also have the option to purchase books of special interest to them. Librarians are not required to order books catering to every topic under the sun. Perhaps an inexact rule of thumb might be to avoid books with language that wouldn’t pass muster in the classroom from teacher or student. That wouldn’t inhibit the library from listing the book and its themes for those patrons wanting to research or pursue the dicey topic.
It’s an imperfect world.