Board hears committee recommendation to keep contested freshman novel after public debate

Superintendent Susan Penrod told the board Feb. 18 that two formal challenges had been submitted over a passage in Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, and that an Instructional Materials Review Committee convened to consider whether the text met district policy criteria for instructional materials. The committee, made up of staff and parents and chaired (non-voting) by Director of Curriculum Cate Blakesley, reviewed the book’s instructional alignment, difficulty and age-appropriateness and voted unanimously to recommend continued use "with no reservations," according to the committee report delivered to the superintendent.

Public comment at both the Jan. 21 and Feb. 18 meetings reflected deeply divided views. Several parents and community members urged removal or opt-in/opt-out options, citing the book’s explicit passage; others, including parents, teachers and librarians, urged against banning the book and emphasized classroom context, student choice and curricular goals. Faitha Hearing told the board she had read the book and urged retention: "I hope the Board does not remove this book from the curriculum... the most important books for kids to read are the ones that make us uncomfortable." Member Kevin LaCoste said he personally objects to the book and suggested an opt-in approach; Member Shannon Swedenborg warned that easy opt-outs could become a slippery slope. The board did not act to overturn the committee's recommendation at the Feb. 18 meeting; the record will serve as the basis for any later board action if members choose differently.