DEARBORN, Michigan (WXYZ) — Some books available to students at Dearborn Public Schools are upsetting parents. Some mothers even filed police reports because they felt that what they were reading was dangerous.
The school district said it has temporarily suspended the publication of seven books. We also restricted access to e-book apps with thousands of titles.
Leaders are discussing this very issue in schools across the country.
Stephanie Butler says her daughter borrowed a book titled “Flamer” from the Edsel Ford High School library on Monday.
It depicts boys’ explicit sexual acts and graphic depictions.
“Establishing something in a child’s mind makes him want to do more or to try,” said Butler.
Butler is complaining about six books. Some are available directly, others are available through the school’s Sora app.
The mother of four says her concerns extend beyond books depicting people of the same sex.
“If these are perfectly appropriate LGBT romance novels,” Butler said. “What I draw the line on is teaching them how to actually do the act.”
“This Book is Gay” is one of the titles that really upset Butler and other parents in particular. Butler even reported it to the Dearborn Police Department. A department spokesperson said the matter is currently under investigation.
Former district teacher Paul Bruce says the book has educational value. While attending Dearborn Public Schools, Bruce supported the school’s anti-bullying campaign.
“It answers a lot of the questions I wanted answered as a kid,” Bruce said. “My life would have been so different.”
The book covers topics such as how to join dating apps and how to talk to people who identify as Christian or Muslim about their sexuality.
“We have to be able to address these concerns,” Bruce said. “How do you keep yourself safe? How do you protect yourself from verbal and physical abuse? And how do you face it when it is thrown at you?”
Butler says such guidance, especially on dating apps, is dangerous.
“I knew I had to act before someone got hurt,” Butler said. “I worry that if they meet someone[through the app]they could be raped, kidnapped or trafficked.”
Bruce hopes the school district will not bow to pressure from Butler and other upset parents.
“We’re not banning books,” said David Mustonen, director of communications at Dearborn Public Schools. It’s about evaluating books.”
Districts say they have to go through over 100,000 titles. It may take him a year to complete this process.
At a school board meeting, Dr. Ross Gruber, a curriculum and professional development consultant for the school district, said pulling seven books isn’t enough.
“We have also removed student access to all e-books available through the Sora app, the Wayne Consortium, and the Dearborn Public Library Overdrive collection,” said Dr. Ross Groover.
Parents and community members took turns speaking during the public comment section. Some were for book bans, others were against.
“No one has the right to censor anyone but their parents for their children,” said a concerned citizen. “As a public servant, it is your duty to maintain access to information as broadly as possible.”
One school board member drew applause from the crowd after stating that the book helps expose students to different perspectives and lifestyles.
Dearborn Public Schools Board Member Mary Petrichkoff said:
The school district said it is completing a form that will allow parents to submit concerns about specific books. The form should be available by Friday, Mustonen said.
The books in question are reviewed by a panel of parents, teachers and media professionals.
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