In a recent school board meeting, community members urged the board to reconsider its decision to remove Alan Gratz's book \"Ban This Book\" from school shelves. The book, which tells the story of a young girl advocating against censorship, was initially recommended for retention by a district review committee with a vote of 6 to 2. However, the board ultimately voted 3 to 2 to remove it, despite the absence of any sexual or inappropriate content.

Advocates for the book highlighted its themes of critical thinking and civic engagement, arguing that its mention of other banned titles should not be grounds for removal. They referenced a July letter from the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC), which emphasized that school boards cannot remove books simply because they disagree with their ideas.

Recent developments in other districts, including a settlement in Nassau County, Florida, which led to the reinstatement of previously banned books, were cited as reasons for the board to reconsider its stance. The meeting also noted that the publisher has donated 17 hardback copies of \"Ban This Book,\" eliminating any financial burden on the district for its return.

Community members expressed their belief in the importance of diverse literature in school libraries, advocating for the board to align with the recommendation of its own review committee and restore the book to the shelves.