A Johnston parent told the curriculum review committee earlier this month that when high school principal Ryan Woods was confronted about the book “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,” Woods couldn’t even read it out loud.
“When I did present these quotes about masturbation to the principal he was not able to read it out loud in front of a group of five adults,” the parent said. “It made him feel that uncomfortable. But we’re asking 14- and 16-year-olds to read this on their own.”
The committee did not recommend removing both books from the curriculum that were in question — including “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.” It instead recommended providing parents with warning about each book’s material in advance of the lesson.
Johnston Superintendent Laura Kacer will consider the recommendation.
