[Vision2020] "Proposal would let schools ban books" (fwd)

[Debbie Gray]

Thought some visionaries might be interested in the following item. This
last week, Post Falls schools recently were challenged for allowing  'The
Chocolate Wars' to circulate in the junior high. A parent complained and
now if someone wants to check it out, they must get permission from their
parents...

--------------------------FWD-----------------------
>From the Thursday edition of the Idaho Statesman:


Proposal would let schools ban books

A bill that would allow local school boards to ban certain books from
school libraries will be considered in the House Education Committee.
Introduced by Rep. Peter Nielson, R-Mountain Home, on Wednesday, the bill
says individual school boards may exclude "any materials that do not
support the definition of a thorough system of public schools,"
established by Idaho law.

The section of law referenced in the bill mentions basic values such as
honesty, self-discipline and respect for authority.

Nielson said it s his intention that local school boards are simply made
aware that they have the option to pull books off library shelves.

"We require quite a few things that do not foster self-discipline,"
Nielson said. "Some library books have a preponderance of swear words,
they mention sexual acts. These are the kinds of things I want them to
look at."

Edition Date: 02-20-2003