Contentious school library policy adopted by EGUSD board, one Trustee makes lengthy opposing statement
https://www.elkgrovenews.net/2023/11/contentious-school-library-policy.html
A controversial policy stance that has vexed the Elk Grove Unified School District Board of Trustees for over a year was approved last night. The seven-member board approved the instructional materials policy that includes, among many items, the determination of how school library books are selected.
Even though the item was on the consent calendar, there were several public comments. Also, there was a lengthy deliberation led by Trustee Carmine Forcina, where he joined a handful of parents and community members who objected to the policy.
At the heart of the arguments from Forcina and several parents and district critics over the last year was the placement of books some have found inappropriate in district school libraries. Critics have characterized several books they find unacceptable as pornography, while Forcina said the adopted policies excluded parental involvement.
Leading the charge against the policy was Forcina, who was supported by a minority of the seven board members. At previous meetings, Mr. Forcina expressed dismay with his fellow board members and said certain books should not be allowed in school libraries.
Forcina outlined his objections in a lengthy, far-reaching statement (see video below). Among his complaints were parents' concerns not being addressed and that the objections to certain books had been conflated into an anti-LGBQT+ argument, which he claimed was not the case.
"Many people, including members of this board, have attempted to divert people's attention from the truth with claims that those that have spoken out against such books are somehow against the L G B Q T community and the recent legislation and therefore should be ignored," Forcina read from his prepared comments. "These claims are without merit and have nothing to do but being more than a diversion tactic."
Forcina went on to say the beliefs and culture of the LGBQT+ lifestyle could be included in the curriculum "without the crutch of pornographic illustrations and other obscene material."
Over the last year, school library books have been hotly debated during public comments on non-agenda items at the trustees' meetings. While a slight majority of speakers have castigated the district for allowing what they called pornographic books to be in school libraries, an almost equal number in the last several months have urged the district against book bans and in defense of school librarians.
Forcina voted no, along with trustees Sean Yang and Tony Perez. With little commentary, trustees Beth Albaini, Gina Jamerson, Nancy Chaires-Espinoza, and Michael Vargas supported the policy.
With the adoption of the policy, the school district is in line with existing and new state legislation regarding school curricula that has sought increased inclusion of previously marginalized communities. As previously reported, the new policy allows parents to notify the district of books they do not want their children to check out from school libraries and leave the library book selection process largely intact.
The adopted policies can be viewed here.
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I admit that I have watched this local school board issue from afar. My two biggest concerns relate to 1) who determines what is appropriate and what is obscene and 2) do we really want to start banning books? If so, where does it stop? This is a very slippery slope. That said, I commend Carmine Forcina for voicing his concerns. The issue needs strong advocates on both sides for a thorough and thought provoking discussion. Forcina is our local RBG, the great dissenter. That said, he’s one of the last persons I’d want making this type of decision. His values while noble may not be in line with today’s beliefs and mores. Times change, views change.
Today’s kids have unbridled access to the internet where every topic including tons of pornography are easily available. If the kids want to see it or research it, it’s at their fingertips. Kids questioning who they are should have access to materials that can educate and reassure them they are not alone. These books aren’t being forced in them, they’re simply available if the interest is there. We shouldn’t refuse materials based on “marginalized” communities. I have no issue in parents rights to monitor or restrict access if they are overly concerned. I believe the majority of the board did the right thing here. We can’t start banning books. These kids are our future, they need our support.
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