Dixon Unified board upholds committee recommendation to keep Sherman Alexie novel in curriculum

The Dixon Unified School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday voted 3–1 to accept a review committee’s recommendation that The Absolutely True Diary of a Part‑Time Indian by Sherman Alexie remain part of Dixon High School’s adopted curriculum.

The committee that reviewed the complaint—appointed under board policy 13 12.2 and convened after a formal complaint—recommended continuation after scoring the text 20–24 points on the district rubric, a rating the committee characterized as “highly appropriate.” Dr. Lisa Estupin, assistant superintendent of education services, told the board the committee spent more than 20 hours reviewing the book, the rubric and alternate texts and that staff had offered alternative reading options and opt‑out arrangements for families who requested them.

The appeal centered on whether the novel’s language and content are suitable for ninth‑grade students and whether the district followed its own complaint process. Dr. Estupin summarized the panel’s view: “The committee recommends Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie to continue as part of the educational curriculum at Dixon High School.” She also noted that, under district policy and state law, materials that survive review are not subject to further reconsideration for 12 months.

During public comment, students and parents urged both removal and retention. Thomas Skian, who identified himself as a Dixon High School student, said he “does not support the teaching of the book” and cited the author’s misconduct and the book’s repeated slurs. A parent who identified herself as Catherine Skehan pointed to state guidance on inclusive curricula and said the novel “does not promote a sense of belonging in the classroom for many students.” Other speakers, including Amanda Dix and Shannon DuBois, described specific passages they found sexually explicit, violent or demeaning and urged the board to remove the book or to replace it with texts they considered more age‑appropriate.

Several board members voiced support for the committee process and for classroom discussion of difficult subjects. Trustee (name not specified in public tally) said reading the book had generated “a lot of critical thinking and discussion” with families, and other trustees emphasized that staff will continue to provide context and opt‑out alternatives where requested.

On the final, non‑roll‑call vote, the board approved the committee’s recommendation by a 3–1 margin; the meeting record does not name individual votes for that motion. The board’s action keeps the book in the adopted materials and leaves in place the committee’s guidance that teachers prepare students and families for sensitive themes and offer opt‑out options.

The decision resolves the current complaint under board policy 13 12.2. Dr. Estupin reminded the public the policy provides a multi‑step process—informal complaint, formal complaint, review committee, superintendent determination and appeal to the governing board—and that the 12‑month reconsideration window now applies.

What happens next: the board’s vote closes this appeal cycle and leaves curriculum review on the district’s longer adoption calendar. The board and staff said they will continue to monitor curriculum needs as district adoptions are refreshed.