Parents, school district disagree on book ban

Boyle County, Ky. (WTVQ) — A huge outrage in Boyle county after the Boyle County Public Schools removed over 100 books from their libraries.

This came after the passing of Senate Bill 150.

“I was absolutely shocked,” said parent Amy Longwill. “And I was shocked that our district who prides itself on being excellent in education and high test scores was out in the front of something that could be so harmful to children and families.”

Senate Bill 150 was passed on March 29, 2023. The bill states children enrolled in the district can not receive any instruction or presentation on studying or exploring gender identity or expression or sexual orientation.

Boyle County Schools decided to ban over 100 books that they claim do not coincide with the bill.

Boyle County Superintendent, Mark Wade, said in a statement, “Senate Bill 150, commonly known as the “Parental Rights Bill”, was passed by legislators, vetoed by the
governor, and overridden by the Senate and House on 3/29/23. This bill requires parental consent for: Mental health counseling related to human sexuality; Gathering certain survey information from students for research purposes; Instruction through curriculum or programs on human sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases (grades 6 or above).”

He continues by saying, “The bill also states, “Any child, regardless of grade level, enrolled in the district does not receive any instruction or presentation that has a goal or purpose of students studying or exploring gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.” In response to guidance provided by the Kentucky Department of Education, we reviewed current courses, programming, instructional resources and learning experiences to ensure compliance with the law (SB 150) including, but not limited to, health education curriculum, Advanced Placement coursework, dual credit courses and extracurricular activities. This was accomplished through a collaborative effort that included all school library media specialists, legal council, and our district leadership team. Our school library books and programs are considered instructional resources, and are made available to support the grade-level standards being taught. School libraries are instructional support entities within our school. As such, school libraries operate differently than a public library system. As you may find in your research, this bill could continue to evolve. As a state public school, we are obligated to implement the law and we will respond if there are changes to the legislation. In Boyle County Schools, we teach rigorous grade-level state standards, and offer a variety of instructional programs and opportunities for our students. We will continue to give students the best education and opportunity possible.”

Parents and students are not happy about this decision.

“I think the banning of books is harmful, not only to the child’s learning, but also the child’s mental health,” said Longwill. “When the message is that these books aren’t welcome, you’re sending a message to the kids and the families that they aren’t welcome.”

The Kentucky Association of School Librarians told ABC 36 in a statement, “The Kentucky Association of School Librarians (KASL) believes in book selection, not censorship. KASL upholds the freedom to read and access to information as protected by our First Amendment rights. Banning books hinders student learning by limiting access to reliable information sources. Kentucky public school librarians are certified educators who are trained to select age-appropriate materials for student use. We oppose censorship within school libraries on the grounds that it is unconstitutional and violates the established professional ethics of librarianship. KASL is not in favor of removing books from our state’s school libraries without following established district policies for the reconsideration of instructional materials. Additionally, we support the rights of parents and guardians to make reading materials choices for their own children. We have reviewed the language of SB 150 and we do not agree that this law applies to library collections for voluntary checkout by students. SB 150 specifically says it only applies to a “course, curriculum, or program on the subject of human sexuality.” School and classroom libraries are simply not a “course, curriculum, or program on the subject of human sexuality.”

As a parent, Longwill says all should be welcome.

“A school district should welcome all kids, regardless of a background. It’s not their job to get into what family dynamics should and should not look like.”