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Committee notes allegations against author; members debate relevance to curriculum review
Summary
Committee members acknowledged objections citing sexual misconduct allegations against Sherman Alexie and debated whether the author's personal conduct should affect use of the book in Grade 9 instruction, with teachers saying classes address the concerns and the curriculum focus should remain on student learning.
During the Feb. 5 meeting, Administrator Cate Blakesley noted that one objection to the book cited sexual misconduct allegations against the author. "Blakesley noted that one of the objections was that the author has had many sexual accusations against him," the transcript records.
Committee members responded. High school teacher Susan Baertlein said such issues are discussed in class and that teachers help students separate art from the artist; she told the committee, "we teach our students that you have to separate the art from the artists." Alex Carney said the author’s personal life is not directly pertinent to the curriculum review, which is focused on whether the book meets English 9B objectives.
The committee did not take a decision on this point at the Feb. 5 meeting; members said they would hear challenger testimony and staff materials at the Feb. 10 hearing before making a recommendation to the Superintendent.
