Bunnell, FL - Following a decision by the Flagler County Schools Superintendent, three out of four books removed from circulation in schools for their content will return to school media centers, while one will remain off the shelves.
The books in question—”All Boys Aren’t Blue,” a collection of memoirs from journalist and LGBTQ+ activist George M. Johnson; “The Hate U Give,” a novel-turned-movie inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, penned by Angie Thomas; “Speak,” a novel detailing a girl’s struggle after a sexual assault, by Laurie Halse Anderson; and “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You,” a book exploring racism and anti-racism in America by Jason Reynolds and Dr. Ibram X. Kendi—came under review following a request from Flagler County School Board member, Jill Woolbright.
The review stems from a criminal complaint filed by Woolbright, who claimed “it was a crime” to have a book like “All Boys Aren’t Blue” in Flagler County Schools. Woolbright argued that the book contained sexually graphic material that should not be allowed in schools. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office later said criminal charges weren’t warranted; with Sheriff Rick Staly saying the matter should have been addressed by the school board and its leadership before a complaint was filed.
In accordance with the school board’s policy, a committee was convened to “review objectively unemotionally and in a business-like manner the content and subject matter of the aforementioned books.”
“I thank LaShakia Moore, our Director of Teaching and Learning, the parents who volunteered to be a part of this process, and our district staff,” said Flagler Schools Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt. “I reviewed their recommendation and used that in my final decision.”
Mittelstadt’s final decision was to bring “The Hate U Give,” “Speak,” and “Stamped” back to library shelves, while “All Boys Aren’t Blue” will remain out of Flagler County Schools, pending the establishment of a clear process for approving media of a sensitive nature.
“I believe in a procedure to give our parents the opportunity to participate in that process. It is important that we look at how the author has described his book in the prologue, in addition, he has made public comments as to the age-appropriateness of this book, is 10th, 11th, and 12th grade,” said Mittelstadt. “Our high schools are 9th through 12th grade. So we would need to create a procedure within our school media centers that have age-appropriate locations for sensitive matters within our school buildings. We can achieve that and we will.”
In a memo to Woolbright, Mittelstadt stated that she may challenge her decision if she wishes. If that were to happen, the appeal would go to the school board.
