Parent urges removal of novel 'Sold' from OPS libraries, cites sexual violence passages

Michelle Rogers addressed the Omaha Public Schools Board April 7 to urge removal of the novel Sold from district libraries, saying she found the book in several school collections and that its content is age-inappropriate.

Rogers read passages and described the book as containing prostitution, sexual violence and explicit descriptions. She told the board the book is available in "Burke High School, Blackburn Alternative School, Lewiston Clark Middle School, Beveridge Middle School and David Bridal School," and said she confirmed the presence of the title at noon the day of the meeting.

"This book actually contains [sexual] activities including [exploitation] of a minor and prostitution and explicit violence," Rogers said in public comment. She asked the board to remove the book from shelves available to younger students.

Why it matters: parents and community members frequently raise concerns about library holdings and age-appropriateness. The district asks that public commentators identify materials and provide details; board policy governs review and reconsideration of instructional and library resources.

Board process: during public comment the board did not take action; members did not respond to speakers during the public-comment period. The board's policy for reconsideration of library materials outlines the steps for review; the public speaker provided screenshots and copies of excerpts to district staff at the meeting for follow-up, the board secretary said.

What happens next: the district indicated that materials raised in public comment would be reviewed according to established policies. The board did not vote on removal during the meeting.