West Des Moines Public Schools also have some of the objectionable materials that were highlighted by Waukee parents earlier this week at a school board meeting.
One West Des Moines resident is in the process of seeking their removal.
The individual emailed the librarians and included the article originally published at The Iowa Standard about the books. They also included the video of a parent quoting from the books.
“That wasn’t enough to get the books pulled,” they said. “In order to fill (out the forms necessary to start the removal process) I had to get copies of the books as they ask for pages and items for justification. I was happy to know that the books are hard to find at the Clive and West Des Moines public libraries.”
Gender Queer was stocked in the Adult Graphic Novel Section in West Des Moines.
“Which again makes me wonder why it is in our school,” the individual wrote. “Gender Queer is at the Valley Southwoods library.”
“I just don’t understand how these books made it into our schools.”
According to the parent, they were told teacher librarians curate the libraries considering curriculum areas, student interest, Children’s Choice Award books, any feedback from teachers, students, and/or parents (i.e. books in Challenge of the Books). Building administrators approve purchases, they said they were told.
The parent was sent board policy from a school administrator.
“Materials will encompass a broad range of topics including topics that may be viewed as controversial,” the policy states. “The materials will represent diverse religious, political and ideological views without any attempt to sway reader’s opinions. The schools will provide a variety of materials addressing issues such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation and religion. The material will reflect sensitivity to the needs, rights and aspirations of men and women without preference or bias. Factual medical and scientific information will be provided. Material of a sensitive nature will be subjected to a test of literary merit by the individuals selecting the materials.”
They were told if they still wanted to challenge the material, they could fill out the reconsideration request form and return it to the administrator.
