Why Is It Incorrect and Even Dangerous To Call Assessing FCPS Books for Use in Schools “Book Banning”?
In a discussion in a recent forum, someone asked how we felt about the “book banning” in FCPS. We explained that the process of reviewing book content for age-appropriateness, relevancy, and the educational value relative to the goal of the lessons intended by a course makes sense and is appropriate. We also pointed out that many of the books contained graphic depictions and/or language describing sexual acts and activities that were unnecessary within the context of the lesson. The woman that asked the question responded that it’s a futile exercise to think that students aren’t going to get access to these materials anyway from other sources like the internet or bookstores. Our response was, “then they aren’t really being banned, are they?”
The truth is that the majority of the books being reviewed for removal are because of the graphic, sexually explicit language and/or depictions. The reviewers must determine if the content is age-appropriate, has educational value, and is necessary to the intended course goals. That seems like a good thing.
What’s also true is that most parents don’t realize that FCPS books are not chosen via a careful review of content. The criteria for choosing a book for use in FCPS is to rely on recommendations and reviews because it’s impossible to read through every book FCPS orders and distributes. Once a book is put into use, a review and detailed feedback on specific content by parents, students, and teachers is the safety net that identifies that some of the specific content should be reconsidered.
That isn’t book banning any more than editing a movie or video game for the age and maturity of the audience is banning. Calling a review of content and appropriateness book banning is a way of silencing parental and community input. It is a form of name-calling intended to shut down discussion, and those using the term need to make an argument for retaining the content that is being objected to and avoid the derogatory, misapplied rhetoric.