While the Mat-Su Valley may be a politically and culturally conservative area of Alaska, the school system contains hundreds of highly graphic and extremely sexual books, which are embedded in school libraries across the district.
From the elementary level through high school, scores of libraries have highly controversial titles that describe graphic sexual scenes, promote and encourage LGBTQ sexuality and so-called “safe sex” and push controversial notions about gender transition and sexual fluidity.
The Alaska Watchman did a quick search and quickly found dozens of books that describe sexual encounters, promote cross-sex hormones or surgery, and depict sexual acts between same-sex and opposite sex couples. Some even describe beastiality.
The website, BookLooks.org, has provided a list of some of the most controversial titles that are found in libraries across the United States. The website provides exact passages from books which are most graphic and controversial. According to the group’s mission statement, BookLooks.org exists to inform parents about objectionable materials, including profanity, nudity and sexual content, with the aim of empowering them to make informed decisions for their kids.
ALASKA WATCHMAN DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX
Titles reviewed by BookLooks.org can be easily plugged into the Mat-Su School District’s online library catalogue to determine which Mat-Su school libraires carry the controversial books.
According to school board policy, the selection of library books is determined by local school librarians in consultation with the principal, department chairpersons and teachers. They do not need approval from the school board before ordering books.
Parents who have concerns with certain books or materials can raise formal complaints. According to district regulation, complainants are to first raise the issue with the teacher or librarian, then the principal and finally the superintendent. If none of these avenues resolves the issue, complainants are encouraged to appeal directly to the Mat-Su School Board.
TAKING ACTION
— Click here to see a list of controversial books reviewed by BookLooks.org.
— Click here to enter the book title into the Mat-Su School District’s Online Library Catalogue to see if it appears in any local school libraries.
— Click here to contact the Mat-Su School Board members.
