As parents and students in Cobb County gear up for a new school year, the district’s latest book review has resulted in the removal of 13 additional books from school media centers. Atlanta News First reported that these books, according to the district, contain "sexually explicit content" unfit for children. The titles range from “Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur to “Casual Vacancy” by J.K. Rowling, among others. Concerns from some parents have led to this change, with one mom asserting in her public comment that the language and illustrations in some books are indeed "inappropriate."
Superintendent Chris Ragsdale, in his address to the board, emphasized that out of more than one million books in the district’s media centers, these 20—when combined with the seven titles previously removed—were selected for their lewd and explicit content. "We are declining to provide access to materials with sexually explicit content in the same way we decline to provide access to rated-R movies and, in compliance with federal law, use internet filters to prevent students from accessing websites with adult content on school district computers," Ragsdale stated, as reported by 11Alive. However, the notion of 'removal' vs. 'ban' appears to be semantics to some frustrated parents and educators, who see these actions as censorship and a hindrance to diversity and inclusive learning.
This is not the first instance where books have stirred debate within the district. Last year, teacher Katie Rinderle was dismissed for reading "My Shadow is Purple," which explores gender, to her class under Georgia’s "divisive concepts" education law—a decision upheld by the state Board of Education. Such actions have prompted Jeff Hubbard with the Cobb County Association of Educators to voice concerns about the climate of fear among teachers and media specialists regarding the district and state content standards, Hubbard told 11Alive.
While Ragsdale assured that the merits of the books were not questioned, and that parents are free to decide if their children may access the content at home, the reasons for removal have nonetheless led to a complaint filed by the National Women’s Law Center against the district. The complaint alleges violations of Title IX and Title VI, claiming that the district has censored books and learning materials that focus on the stories of LGBTQIA+ individuals and people of color, Atlanta News First reported. With Ragsdale promising to keep the board and parents informed on future decisions regarding book selections, the conversation around academic freedom and censorship continues to unfold in Cobb County.
