Columbus City Schools Staff Removes Controversial Book from High School Library Collection

One of the most banned controversial books in the United States, according to the New York Times, has been removed from Columbus City Schools high school library shelves.

The autobiography, Gender Queer: A Memoir, was published in 2019 and is both written and illustrated by Maia Kobabe. The 240-page book tells Kobabe’s story from adolescence to adulthood covering sensitive topics such as gender identity, masturbation, menstruation, and navigating the world as someone who considers themself nonbinary.

Read the full story

Exclusive: Former Teen Sex Educator Schools Parents on Sound Strategy to Deal with Pornographic Books

Monica Cline

A former Title X family planning instructor who was trained by Planned Parenthood and then taught at sex ed conferences for teens told The Star News Network parents who are outraged to hear about sexualized curricula in schools should plan an organized grassroots effort that involves sound research and documentation.

In an extensive interview with The Star News Network, Monica Cline stressed parents with concerns about sexualized books available to their children in school should join with other like-minded parents and approach the situation with logic and sufficient research to make sound arguments to school boards.

Read the full story

Virginia Beach School Board Member Manning Challenges Four Books in School Library

Virginia Beach School Board Member Victoria Manning has challenged four books in the district’s libraries over sexually explicit content.

“I’ve been accused of wanting to ban books, burn books, etc.,” she told The Virginia Star in an email. “However, I am NOT asking for a ban on these books. I’m simply asking for sexually explicit and pornographic materials to not be made available to minors through our schools. If adults want to purchase these books or borrow them from the library then that is their business and their right. At the very least, parents should be made aware in advance of sexually explicit material and be required to OPT-IN for their children to be able to be provided these materials.”

Read the full story

After Two-Month Review, Fairfax County Public Schools Returns ‘Lawn Boy’ and ‘Gender Queer’ to High School Libraries

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has decided to return two controversial books to its high school library after completing a two-month review launched after a parent complained at a September school board meeting.

In a press release, Assistant Superintendent Noel Klimenko said, “I am satisfied that the books were selected according to FCPS regulations and are appropriate to include in libraries that serve high school students. Both books have value beyond their pages for students who may struggle to find relatable stories.”

Read the full story

Catholic Minnesota College Among Libraries Promoting Book Containing Alleged Child Porn

A Catholic university in Minnesota is among several schools and libraries around the country encouraging students and children to read a controversial book that may include child pornography. 

“June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month,” the website for Saint Benedict Saint John’s University (SBSJU) says. “This month-long celebration demonstrates how LGBTQ Americans have strengthened our country, by using their talent and creativity to help create awareness and goodwill.”

Read the full story