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Book Review Process
| Much has been made lately in these letters, at Board of Ed meetings, and on social media about certain books in the Glastonbury Public Schools’ libraries. From the outset, the undersigned board members have consistently identified that any parental concerns about school library books should follow established process consistent with board policy. That process involves a review of books in question when there is a complaint. The decision on whether to remove a book from school libraries or otherwise restrict access is made by our educational professionals – not by politicians pushing agendas. The books that have been the cause of some controversy have been run through the time-tested process and we trust the judgment of our educational professionals. To families concerned that such a review will lead to some larger purported “book audit”, we afford our commitment to GPS maintaining a robust, diverse collection of age-appropriate books in school libraries. We will stand up to any attempts to ban books that have otherwise been determined by our educators as being age-appropriate to GPS students. To families concerned about parental choice, we will reassure you that we support your fundamental right to be involved in your children’s education. In fact, board policy promotes your right to be involved in the materials to which your children have access. Families can request that their children’s access to certain books or subject matter be restricted. The process outlined above also promotes parental involvement. And finally, to our educators, we wholeheartedly support you. It may seem at times that you’re under consistent attack and scrutiny. You have done and will continue to do a first-rate job educating Glastonbury’s kids. That you for all of your hard work and resilience. While each of us may disagree on particular issues, we stand united behind one principle – political agendas shouldn’t interfere with our education. |
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