A heated dispute over banned books has erupted in the Elizabeth School District in Colorado. In August, the school board voted to remove 19 titles from school libraries, citing concerns about content they labeled inappropriate. The books included The Hate U Give, Nineteen Minutes, and George, the latter dealing with a transgender fourth grader. Officials said the decision was guided by community input after a 25-day review period.
Community Support for Removal Drives Board Decision
Superintendent Dan Snowberger emphasized that the board sought public feedback before acting. According to Snowberger, most community responses favored removing the books, questioning their relevance to the school curriculum. “Overwhelmingly, the community said we don’t feel these books have value,” he told CBN News. The district maintains that library materials should align with educational goals, not challenge family values.
ACLU Lawsuit Claims First Amendment Violation
In December, the ACLU, along with the NAACP, the Authors Guild, and two students, sued the district. They argue that the removals infringe on students’ First Amendment rights by limiting access to diverse ideas and viewpoints. A district judge sided with the plaintiffs and ordered the books be returned. The books are now back on the shelves while the case awaits review by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Legal Experts Weigh in on School Authority and Limits
Legal scholars say the case highlights the tension between school authority and constitutional protections. Brad Jacob, a law professor at Regent University, noted that content decisions are typically local but must avoid discrimination. He explained, “In general, decisions about what is appropriate are for school authorities, guided by community input.”
Broader Debate on Education and Parental Rights
For Snowberger, the issue extends beyond books. He insists schools should reinforce, not challenge, family values. “It’s not our job to change them,” he said. Supporters of the removal see it as empowering parents. Critics fear it restricts learning and marginalizes minority voices. The appeals court is expected to act in the coming weeks, potentially setting a precedent for similar cases.
Source:
CO School District Fights on Side of Parents to Keep Controversial Books Off Library Shelves
Photo by Tom Hermans on Unsplash
About Post Author
