Community divided over assigned book as parents urge notification, others oppose bans

Dozens of community members spoke during the Jan. 21 public comment period about The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, urging the board to clarify how instructional materials are chosen and to notify parents when potentially controversial books will be used.

Several parents said they found passages objectionable and asked for stronger notification and selection guidelines. Hilary Stock, who identified herself as a parent of five, said, "I would never advocate for a book by a man with multiple sexual alligations." Amanda Rush asked, "why choose a book that is controversial?" and sought greater parent notification.

Speakers on the other side of the issue urged the board not to remove the title. Faitha Hearing, who said she had read the entire book, told the board that "the most important books for kids to read are the ones that make us uncomfortable," and Jules Lynes called censoring the book a matter of free expression and said the Oregon Department of Education is better positioned to judge curricular appropriateness.

Superintendent Susan Penrod said the district has established procedures for material challenges and referenced board policies IIA-AR(2) and IIA-AR(3). Penrod offered to share more information with residents who leave contact details and read one submitted letter into the record on behalf of Andrew Adams.

The board did not take formal action on the book at the meeting; Penrod said staff will follow the district's material-challenge process if a formal complaint is filed. The public comment record shows a range of views from parents and residents, and board members thanked speakers for their civility and participation.