The Mat-Su School District’s newly-formed Library Citizens’ Advisory Committee voted last week to recommend that the Mat-Su School Board remove four sexual-themed books from all or some school libraries across the school district.
After examining the first four of 56 challenged books, the 11-member committee determined that “It’s Perfectly Normal,” by Robie Harris, and “The Bluest Eye,” by Toni Morrison were in violation of Alaska law, which prohibits the dissemination of pornographic or indecent material to minors.
Additionally, the advisory committee suggested that the school board pull “Drama,” by Raina Telgemeier, and “The Lovely Bones,” by Alice Sebold from several libraries. The majority of the committee did not think these books were in violation of state law, but determined that they were unsuitable for certain age groups.
“Drama” is a graphic novel that highlights gay sexuality among teenagers, but without explicit sexual scenes. “The Lovely Bones,” includes highly graphic and detailed scenes of teen rape. “It’s Perfectly Normal,” is a teen sex guide that includes graphic illustrations of sexual intercourse and masturbation, while instructing teens about abortion options and contraceptive methods that cause early abortions. “The Bluest Eye,” depicts graphic sex scenes, masturbation and child rape.
The 11- member board consists of seven community members and four school district employees who are tasked with reviewing challenged books and making recommendations to the school board on whether the titles should be removed or retained in school libraries. The school board has final say.
According to Alaska law, it is a class C felony to distribute indecent material to minors. Violation of this law can result in up to five years in prison and a $50,000 fine. Unlike in some other states, there are no exceptions for school librarians or teachers who might disseminate indecent library books to children.
VOTE COUNT
Below are the voting results from the library committee. It is now up to the school board to determine whether to pull certain books from school libraries.
BOOK: “The Lovely Bones”
— Does the book violate Alaska statute against disseminating indecent material to minors? Yes – 2 votes, No – 8 votes, Abstain – 1 vote.
— Recommendation: Retain – 0 votes, Remove from all libraries – 3 votes, Remove from elementary libraries – 0 votes, Remove from elementary and middle school libraries – 7 votes, Abstain – 1 vote.
BOOK: “Drama”
— Does the book violate Alaska statute against disseminating indecent material to minors? Yes – 0 votes, No – 11 votes, Abstain – 0 votes.
— Recommendation: Retain – 3 votes, Remove from all libraries – 0 votes, Remove from elementary libraries – 8 votes, Remove from elementary and middle school libraries – 0 votes, Abstain – 0 votes.
BOOK: “It’s Perfectly Normal”
— Does the book violate Alaska statute against disseminating indecent material to minors? Yes – 6 votes, No – 5 votes, Abstain – 0 votes.
— Recommendation: Retain – 0 votes, Remove from all libraries – 9 votes, Remove from elementary libraries – 2 votes, Remove from elementary and middle school libraries – 0 votes, Abstain – 0 votes.
BOOK: “The Bluest Eye”
— Does the book violate Alaska statute against disseminating indecent material to minors? Yes – 6 votes, No – 5 votes, Abstain – 0 votes.
— Recommendation: Retain – 0 votes, Remove from all libraries – 6 votes, Remove from elementary libraries – 0 votes, Remove from elementary and middle school libraries – 5 votes, Abstain – 0 votes.
TAKING ACTION
— The next Mat-Su Borough School Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 20, starting at 6 p.m. at Houston High School (12801 Hawk Lane). While there are no scheduled votes on the library committee’s recommendations, the board will likely be presented with the committee’s suggestions during the board committee reports section of the meeting. Click here for information on how to testify at the upcoming meeting.
