Public commenters urge removal of a library title; board hears wide-ranging concerns about curriculum and values

Public comment at the Dec. 12 Hyde Park Central School District meeting was lengthy and at times contentious, with several speakers raising objections to library materials and broader concerns about curriculum, values and student well-being.

Paul Murray opened the public-comment period with readings of historical quotations about civic values. John Amanchukwu identified himself and argued that the book All Boys Aren't Blue contains explicit sexual passages that are inappropriate for school libraries, urging its removal. Amanchukwu read passages from the book and called the material "pornographic," saying it should be removed from the high school library. Jared Branch, who identified himself and said he had not planned to speak, expressed a separate critique that many books featuring African-American characters in the district's selections focused on struggle and pain rather than positive stories, and urged the district to include more uplifting representations.

Other public speakers echoed concerns about 'wokeness' and moral instruction; several speakers said low reading proficiency proved a need to refocus on fundamentals. At least one speaker, Piazza Rosie, and other commenters urged the board to consider socioeconomic barriers and community supports that affect student success and to preserve opportunities for family engagement and reading promotion. Another speaker praised the meeting format for allowing members of the public to speak.

Board leadership repeatedly reminded speakers that the public-comment period is not a debate and closed the period after the allotted time. The board did not announce a formal review or removal process during the meeting. No staff response or formal motion to remove a book was recorded on the transcript; the board chair thanked speakers and said there would be no back-and-forth during public comment.