PINE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Critics of a policy currently in development at Pine Richland School District tell Channel 11 it could amount to a book ban.
The school board revised the policy’s wording at a meeting, Thursday. Dozens of community members attended.
The policy has to do with the board’s ability to allow or not allow certain books in district libraries.
Thursday’s meeting featured a number of interjections and outbursts from those in attendance as well as in-fighting among board members.
In the current version of the policy, librarians send a list of desired books or materials to the principal and it goes up the ladder to the school board for final approval.
A sticking point for many in attendance is defining more clearly how or why the board would reject a book.
Nudity, sexual content and foul language are all listed as potential reasons. Not good enough for a student we spoke to.
“These books might highlight sexual themes but that is looking at very small portions of the book,” 11th grader Elise Duckworth said.
The board is still working on the final version of the policy. There will be multiple readings before a final vote is cast.
You can find all versions of the policy here:
Academic Achievement Joint Governance Meeting 6_00 p.m. - Richland Elementary Auditorium_Live Stream-01!09!... by WPXI Staff on Scribd
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