Radnor School Board considers returning banned books to high school library.
The Radnor School Board is currently deliberating the potential removal of a policy that enables parents to formally contest library books, as well as the possible reinstatement of three recently banned titles. This examination has arisen amid significant community backlash following the district’s decision to withdraw these books from circulation in response to a parent’s complaint.
In a recent policy committee meeting, board members expressed a preference for abolishing the existing challenge policy altogether rather than merely amending it. One board member highlighted the improbability of justifying the authority of any single parent or guardian to dictate the reading material available to the entire student body. Notably, parents retain the right to request that their children be exempted from accessing specific books.
Additionally, the curriculum committee is anticipated to evaluate the return of the titles Gender Queer, Fun Home, and Blankets to the Radnor High School library within the coming week. The current library policy, established in 2008, emphasizes the importance of book selection to support the educational curriculum while providing materials that portray varied perspectives on contentious issues. The policy includes guidelines for book appraisal, and details a reevaluation procedure through which individuals can voice objections regarding library materials.
Recently, the district faced scrutiny after a parent initiated a complaint in January, alleging that the aforementioned graphic novels contained inappropriate content. A committee convened to review the challenge concluded by a vote of 5-1 that the books were unsuitable for students, leading to their removal from the library on February 28.
The controversy surrounding the removals has elicited a strong reaction from community members, particularly given that two of the books center on LGBTQ themes. Many students and parents reported that they were unaware of the book bans until they learned of them through media outlets, underscoring the community’s call for greater transparency from school officials.
As the discourse continues, the policy committee received requests from administrators for guidance on potential revisions to the policy. Suggestions included expanding the review committee to include a student representative, establishing a timeline for how frequently a book can be challenged, and increasing the school board’s involvement in the decision-making process.
Radnor’s legal counsel noted that state law does not mandate the existence of a challenge policy, nor does it prohibit the return of the three contested volumes. Board members are now weighing the implications of abolishing the challenge policy while considering whether to reinstate the banned books, with discussions slated for the upcoming curriculum committee meeting.
