December 20, 2021 at 2:42 p.m.
SDR media specialists explain procedure for challenging library books
Parent group has 'questioned' two titles available through state library
SDR media specialists explain procedure for challenging library books
"The policy is basically a step-by-step procedure," Rumney told the committee. "Step one, the person challenging the book would meet with the administrator, and they would call Laura and myself in and we will have a meeting with the person challenging the book and then we will take a look at the book..."
She said if the person wants the book completely removed from the district library system, after the first meeting, the person would have to fill out a form to start the second process, which involves the naming of a committee to hear the challenge.
This committee would include community members as well as district administrators. She said district superintendent Eric Burke would name the persons to serve on the committee.
Tooke said all participants in the process must also read the book in its entirety.
"How can you make a decision about a book if you haven't read it," Tooke said.
She said the committee would then meet and come to a decision as to whether it should remain in the library or not.
Rumney said at SDR, they trying to solve most problems at the building level and there are options available if a parent doesn't want their child to read a particular book.
"If you don't want your child to read a particular book, that's fine," Tooke said. "But we try to keep books on the shelves that other parents may not object to."
The two were also asked when the district last had a book challenged and/or removed.
"Well, Laura and I have been in this district since 2012, and we've had two books questioned," Rumney replied, adding that one book was determined to have an incorrectly assigned reading level and that was changed.
Tooke said that what people often overlook is that until recently, the district actually had an extra library due to Central being run as an "intermediate" level between the lower elementary grades and middle school. The challenged book was originally rated for grades 4/5, but was moved to JWMS after the review in the first step of the process.
"Every once in a while there are one of those kind of books," Tooke said.
She added the other book that was brought to the attention of a building principal was found to be perfectly acceptable for the grade level.
Committee chair Judy Conlin said that the procedure sounds very straightforward.
"People who have a concern about a specific book that you talk with the librarians and principal first," Conlin said.
"I agree, that's a good first step," Burke said.
"It is important that when you come, you be specific about the concerns you have in terms of vocabulary or whatever your concerns are," Conlin added.
A member of the audience asked how the "community members" would be selected for the appeal committee.
Rumney said in the time she and Tooke have been in the district, the process has never "gotten to that point."
Burke said he has to look into exactly how the committee specified in the administrative policy would be formed if needed.
The day after the committee meeting, Burke sent out a statement saying that two books have been questioned recently during public comment at the instruction and accountability committee. In his email, Burke said it was important that the source of the two books be made clear.
"Last month, the book was Lawnboy (by Paul Lisicky) and last night the book was Gender Queer (by Maia Kobabe.) In checking with our district librarians, we do not have any physical copies of those books in the school district," Burke said. "Both books are available through the statewide eBook system Wisconsin Schools Digital Library Consortium (WSDLC) available to all school districts in the state."
Rumney and Tooke said that in order to access and "check out" the eBooks, students must access the system through an online portal called Sora.
"Students must log into Sora using their district credentials to check out the books from the consortium," Tooke said. "Grade level bands are set by the consortium. The bands are K-5, 6-8 and 9-12."
WSDLC has its own reconsideration process, and parents can access this from the WSDLC website, according to Rumney and Tooke.
"We just want to reiterate that a library is a place of choice. Not every book is right for every child, but it is important to protect students' intellectual freedom (the right to read and seek information as guaranteed by the First Amendment) to access materials that allow them to see themselves and others in society," they said.
"We are required by the Wisconsin Administrative code and Rhinelander School District Policy 2225 to provide access to materials which reflect 'the cultural diversity and pluralistic nature of American society,'" Tooke added.
Jamie Taylor may be reached via email at [email protected].
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