Concerns about certain books allowed in Cherokee County School District libraries continue to be voiced by parents to the Cherokee County Board of Education.
In response to a parent’s allegations during the March board meeting, a district official said in an April 2 email to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the challenge process to school library books is two steps, but three if appealed to the school board - not nine.
Initial decisions are made by a committee of more than 20, including students, parents and educators - with this round to conclude by May - not November, the official added.
In response to library book challenges also during the February meeting, Dr. Brian Hightower, CCSD superintendent, said, “It is not up to individual citizens, who make challenges, to determine what books other people’s children should have access to in school or what assignments teachers should give in classes.”
Hightower added, “Should a citizen disagree with the decision of the committee’s students, parents and educators who read and study the book or assignment, he or she can appeal to the School Board. The School Board members are elected to speak for all students, and they have the final say in these decisions.”
“These challenges are part of a national trend driven by special interest groups,” according to a CCSD statement.
For more information about the February and March meetings and videos, visit cherokeek12.net/Content2/school-board-meeting-archives.
To view the limited public forums allowed on social media, the Cherokee County School District’s policy can be found at bit.ly/3wOMUfU.
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