Board affirms superintendent's process in challenge to Sherman Alexie title

The Laramie County School District #1 Board of Trustees voted March 2 to affirm the superintendent's determination that the district's review process was followed in evaluating The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie and that the book does not contain sexually explicit material as defined by district policy.

Ms. Polly explained the multi-step review: an initial curriculum check, a Department of Instruction committee (two parents and one educator) that reviews nominated passages against the policy definition, and a superintendent review to confirm process and sufficiency of evidence. The board was clear the current motion addressed only whether the process was followed, not a re-evaluation of content.

Trustee Clawson said she believed the book's language met the district's policy definition of sexually explicit content and expressed disappointment that the three-member review committee did not include the book on the list for restriction. She said parents should be able to opt their children out of material they find objectionable. Several trustees, including Trustee Hinkle, said their reading of the book led them to conclude the references in question were descriptive rather than explicit; Trustee Hinkle called the book —a good, award-winning book— with themes beyond the passages in dispute.

Board members discussed a separate issue raised in the appeal: the complainant cited an audio-book version played in a classroom that reportedly included sound effects not present in the printed text. Ms. Polly said the Department of Instruction reviewed the authorized audio versions in the district's libraries and did not find the sound effects described; she said a distinct nomination and review would be required if a different audio version is identified. Trustees were told the book is not part of adopted curriculum but is available in high-school libraries and as an e-book.

After discussion, the board voted to affirm that the process was followed. Trustees and staff noted that if additional information about an audio recording is provided, a new nomination of that recording could be reviewed and could return to the board.

The board's action affirms the procedural determination; it does not remove the title from high-school libraries or alter parental opt-out processes available at school libraries.