New Hanover County School Board Considers New Book Challenge Rules Amidst Ongoing Debate
The New Hanover County school board revisited the contentious issue of book challenges at its Tuesday meeting, with Republican members Josie Barnhart and Pat Bradford spearheading efforts to formalize new regulations. The proposed changes include routing all school-level book challenges to a district-wide review, anonymizing parents who initiate challenges, and implementing a book rating system akin to the Motion Picture Association of America’s (MPAA) film ratings. This renewed focus comes in the wake of recent restrictions placed on the book “Blended” following a challenge by Barnhart herself.
The board delved into the existing procedures for handling book challenges, which are currently governed by policies 3200 and 3210. Dawn Brinson, Assistant Superintendent for Technology and Digital Learning, explained the functions of the school and district-level Media Technology Advisory Committees (MTAC). These committees, she explained, play a key role in evaluating challenged materials, a process that has been previously reviewed and revised multiple times, including during the evaluations of “Stamped: Antiracism, Racism, and You” and “Blended.”
Barnhart advocated for a shift in the process, arguing that any book challenged at a single school should automatically trigger a district-wide review. She justified this by stating that concerns about vulgarity, age appropriateness, or educational suitability necessitate a broader response. Currently, challenges are first addressed at the school level, acknowledging the diverse needs of different student populations. Parents dissatisfied with the school’s decision can then escalate the challenge to the district level. Barnhart’s own challenge of “Blended” exemplifies this existing pathway.
Board member Judy Justice voiced concerns that the proposed changes would impose additional burdens on already stretched-thin school staff. She urged the board to recognize the professional expertise of educators. The debate highlighted the tension between parental concerns and the professional judgment of educators in determining appropriate reading materials. The underlying question revolves around the balance of local school autonomy versus district-wide standardization in addressing challenges to books available to students.
Further complicating the discussion was the suggestion by board member Pat Bradford to redact the names of parents who file book challenges. This proposal raises legal questions regarding the interpretation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). While district attorneys maintain this information is protected under FERPA, other legal experts contend that book complaints are not part of a student’s educational record and therefore not subject to FERPA protections. This discrepancy highlights the lack of clear legal precedent on this specific issue. The district’s past practice of not redacting the name of the parent who challenged “Stamped,” as well as the practices of other North Carolina districts, adds further complexity to the debate.
Board member Tim Merrick expressed reservations about anonymizing parents, particularly when challenges could impact other families. He emphasized, however, that parents should have control over their own children’s reading material. Bradford argued that anonymity would protect parents who choose to challenge books, shielding them and their children from potential scrutiny. She also proposed the implementation of a book rating system, an idea previously suggested by board chair Melissa Mason. This proposal aims to provide parents with a clearer understanding of the content of library books, similar to how movie ratings guide viewers.
The ongoing discussion surrounding book challenges has become deeply intertwined with the politically charged accusation of “book banning.” Bradford refuted this characterization, asserting that the board is not engaged in censorship. Brinson clarified that while no books have been completely removed from all schools, specific restrictions have been placed on certain titles. “Stamped,” for instance, is no longer allowed in high school classrooms but remains available in high school libraries, while it is unavailable in middle and elementary school libraries. “Blended” is restricted to fourth and fifth graders with parental permission and is unavailable to younger students. These nuanced restrictions underscore the complex balancing act faced by the board in addressing parental concerns while maintaining access to diverse reading materials.
Superintendent Christopher Barnes brought attention to a new state law, HB 805, which mandates online access for parents to classroom and library book lists. This law empowers parents to flag materials they deem unsuitable for their children. Brinson confirmed that the district already provides access to classroom book lists and is working on compiling a similar index for school libraries. She also highlighted the Destiny system, which allows parents to restrict specific books from being checked out by their children. While acknowledging the concerns around book content, Barnes urged the board to consider the broader issue of student access to potentially harmful content via smartphones. He touted the district’s “Wait Until Eighth” program, which encourages parents to delay giving smartphones to their children until at least eighth grade.
The school board adjourned without voting on any policy changes related to book challenges. However, the proposals for revamping the MTAC process, anonymizing parents who challenge books, and implementing a book rating system are likely to resurface in future meetings. The debate underscores the continuing tension between parental rights, student access to information, and the professional judgment of educators in shaping the educational landscape. The board faces the complex challenge of navigating these competing interests while ensuring that all students have access to a diverse range of age-appropriate and educationally valuable materials.