Like many educators, I came to this work to help young people reach their full potential. Some teachers do that through science or physical education, others through mathematics or art. For me, it was about stories: specifically providing young people with books and resources that help them see themselves in the world and step into the shoes of people different from themselves. I became a librarian because I think stories are crucial to learning, engagement, and being our best selves. I did not become a librarian because of an interest in school district policy. Still, I would find that a strong school district policy is essential to connecting young people with stories that serve as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors.
The Role of Strong School District Policies
I remember the first time someone tried to remove a book from our library collection. The book was “Drama,” a graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier. I had purchased this book for the library, and it was wildly popular with students. In the book, two middle school boys share a quick smooch. In the real world, this fictional kiss caused an outcry from the parent of a sixth-grade child. The parent spoke to the principal, the principal contacted the superintendent, and the superintendent pulled the book from the library immediately.
In a meeting with the superintendent, another librarian and I outlined the numerous reasons the book belonged on the shelf. First, it had been reviewed positively by numerous publications and deemed appropriate for elementary school students. Second, the library contained many books with kisses that were not being challenged. Third, some of our students were gay, and some of our students had gay family members and friends. Fourth, these students had a right to see themselves and their family members and friends represented in books.
These arguments, which I stand by, did not lead to the book being put back on the shelf. What did? School district policy.
The district had a material selection policy that outlined a process for reconsidering challenged books. The policy was specific. The book could not be removed from the library without going through the following steps:
- A written complaint using the challenge form provided in the policy is completed.
- A committee is formed to read the book and review the challenge.
- The committee makes a recommendation to the school board.
- The school board makes the final decision.
Once the school district policy was explained to them, the parent decided not to pursue a formal complaint. “Drama” went back on the shelf. Students once again had access to a book they loved. It was a happy ending.
But, as librarians, we didn’t stop there. We were concerned that the school district’s policy would have been ignored without our advocacy. And this process forced us to locate our policy—a 30-page document on typing paper (yes, it was a typed document) in a filing cabinet. It was time for an update, which we completed with the help of our state school library association and the American Association of School Librarians. That new policy was adopted by the school board and placed on the district’s website.
Why Policy Matters
At this current moment, book challenges are on the rise. These efforts are organized and targeted. The books most frequently challenged feature queer characters and characters of color. These populations are already underrepresented in literature for children and young adults. Targeted book bans are attempts to undermine progress toward educational equity, making it more critical than ever that we have thoughtful school district policies in place. A policy won’t end book challenges, but it will give educators, school boards, and students the tools they need to navigate the challenge.
School District Policy Toolkit
Is your district ready to meet challenges? Do you have school district policies in place that support your mission and vision? The Great Schools Partnership has recently published a policy toolkit to help guide school districts in policy development and revision. You might start with our Local District Policy Primer to better understand the purpose of local policies. Or you could use the Accessing and Understanding Local District Policy tool to find and understand your local policies.
The toolkit also includes policy exemplars, such as Educational Equity Policy, Educational Philosophy Policy, Controversial Issues Policy, and Instructional and Library Materials Selection Policy. We hope this toolkit supports you and your district as you work to help all students reach their full potential.