Books in Seekonk Schools

Seekonk Schools Superintendent Rebecca Kidwell said the district is receptive to parents’ concerns about books which may contain objectionable content.

“We do not have a list of books that parents might find unsuitable,” Kidwell said via e-mail on Monday. “We maintain a library catalog based on best practices from the AASL (American Association of School Librarians), the MSLA (Massachusetts School Library Association), and school-accrediting bodies like NEASC and NELMS.”

Many school districts around the country have either removed or banned books after complaints from parents about inappropriate content. According to PEN America, “Overwhelmingly, book banners continue to target stories by and about people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.”

“School book bans take varied forms, and can include prohibitions on books in libraries or classrooms, as well as a range of other restrictions, some of which may be temporary,” PEN noted. “Book removals that follow established processes may still improperly target books on the basis of content pertaining to race, gender, or sexual orientation, invoking concerns of equal protection in education.”

“We currently have in place policies for review of library or curriculum materials that may be of concern,” Kidwell noted. “We also follow the guidance that families should always be aware of the materials in use in the classroom.  Teachers share this through their open house presentations, emails, and newsletters.  We encourage families to talk with teachers if they have specific concerns about content or topics in the curriculum.”

Kidwell said there has been only one complaint lodged so far this year. That complaint was resolved when the teacher said they were willing to speak with the parent about the books their child selected to read.

Kidwell explained teachers of courses that include sexual health topics have communicated to families at the start of the year, and families who wish to opt their child out of those lessons may communicate with the teacher directly. 

“There are currently no lessons at the elementary level which include sexual health topics,” Kidwell said, adding the district “strives to be transparent and proactive in communication with families about skills, content, and activities in the classroom.”