Titles Focus on Sex, Gender
by Jeremy Morrison, Inweekly
The Escambia County School District may be removing three more books from availability this week, as officials continue the process of reviewing potentially objectionable material being challenged by a Northview High School English teacher.
Last fall, school board members voted to remove the first title from availability, and the district is now working its way down a list of more than a 150 titles. The books were flagged by teacher Vickie Baggett, following the passage of a state law that empowered citizens to challenge any material available in the public school system. As per the law, each challenged title must undergo a review process.
On Feb. 20, Escambia’s school board will be considering the removal of “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by George M. Johnson, “And Tango Makes Three,” by Justin Richardson and “When Aidan Became a Brother,” by Kyle Lukoff.
As with many titles on Escambia’s list — primarily compiled by Baggett — these books cover the topics that have political punching bags for conservatives: race, sex and gender. “And Tango Makes Three,” for instance, is based on a true story about two male penguins at New York’s Central Park’s Zoo who form a bond and raise a chick. “When Aidan Became a Brother” addresses transgender issues.
Escambia’s book-review process involves reviewing materials one at a time or in small groupings. The process consists of community input via online forms and a review committee assessment, which determines the titles appropriateness for a specific audience. Each of the three titles being considered this week were approved during the committee assessment process.
Following each title’s review, the committee’s decision may be challenged. Baggett told Inweekly last fall that she intended to appeal any title that was not voted out during the assessment process — that’s what happened with a “Perks of Being a Wallfower,” the first title to undergo the review process last fall, forcing a final decision from the school board, which tossed the title.
Tonight’s special special meeting of Escambia’s school board will take place Monday, Feb. 20, at 5:30 p.m. at the school district offices, 75 N. Pace Blvd., Pensacola. For more information of Escambia’s book review process, check out https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.com/reconsideration