Concerns were raised to the Waverly-Shell Rock School District due to a book called Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. An individual alerted the district to the use of the book, which they said has been known for more than a decade and removed from curriculum across the country.
However, it seems the book has been used at Waverly-Shell Rock for three-plus years.
Republican State Rep. Charley Thomson also expressed concern with the district. Thomson was contacted by a constituent who provided some materials used in mandatory 10th grade English classes.
“I admit, I was astonished when I examined the materials,” Thomson wrote. “Many questions immediately sprang to mind besides the obvious question of the materials’ relation to English instruction and the propriety of using state funds in the materials’ dissemination.”
Here are excerpts of the book:
The principal of Waverly-Shell Rock High School sent a message to families noting that concerns had been raised about the “appropriateness” of the text for students.
“We take such concerns seriously and want to ensure that all parents and guardians are comfortable with the materials being used in our classrooms,” he wrote. “In light of this, we will no longer use Persepolis in our classrooms.”
