Proposed Rule Would Require Public Schools To Remove Certain Books From Libraries

Another step to ban certain books in Oklahoma schools: the State Department of Education has a few rule changes that they’re getting community input on before they make any final decisions.

The first of a handful of hearings for parents, teachers and community members shared their thoughts on some proposed rule changes at the department of education. 

Friday’s conversation was about a rule that would downgrade a school's accreditation if pornographic materials or sexualized content are accessible to minor students.

“These rules are an overreach by Superintendent Walters,” Michelle McCain, a library media specialist, said.

OSDE said the proposed rule would reduce the likelihood of such negative exposures in school settings by increasing accountability and transparency for school libraries and media programs.

“I can assure you first and foremost that students are not coming to the library to look for pornography, they have much easier ways to access this material with even the most protective and diligent,” McCain said.

Many opponents of the rule, including media library specialists, teachers and students, said it’s a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist.

“I can guarantee you that no matter how many hours I've spent in a single school library, I have not once stumbled upon pornographic material,” an Oklahoma City student said.

“It is really wrong that you would take such big steps, and go so far out of your way to make sure people aren't included and don't feel normal,” another student said.

The rule also requires districts to annually report a list of books and materials in their libraries to the department of education and have a written policy for reviewing library materials and for responding to complaints.

“Every book that I order, I review through multiple agencies for appropriateness for the age that I serve, and every book that I have ordered for that library meets that standard,” a Duncan Library media specialist said.

Some also questioned the rule, saying it was too vague.

“Who determines what is offensive? Who is an average person in Oklahoma? Wouldn't the community standard for those in OKC differ from those in Guymon?”

Lori Wathen with Oklahoma PTA said “Oklahoma PTA believes students need access to information in order to explore and experience the diversity of ideas in a pluralistic society.”

Although a majority of the people speaking were opposed, a handful of parents and community members shared their support.

“The rule change does not stop parents from getting this content and providing it to their child. What it does is recognize that we have a duty as public officials to protect all children and to allow parents to decide what is appropriate for their individual children,” one mother said.

“I'm in favor of these rules,” a mom of seven children said.

“These kids can have access, parents can go and buy these books for their kids if you really want them to have them.”

All of the proposed rule changes can be read by clicking here.