My children attend Charlottesville City Schools, currently Charlottesville High. Teachers are already alerting parents of potentially sensitive materials and giving students a chance to opt out. Why put more restrictions if most teachers are already doing what is right? 

Do I want to be aware of what they are reading? Yes, so I read the syllabus, research any titles I am unfamiliar with, and ask questions. If I don't want my children reading college-level material, then I won't have them take and AP class. It's that simple. 

One of my children is finally in a classroom where kids can choose from a selection of books and are not stuck in a whole-class novel. And guess what? My child loves reading again. The kids are also allowed choice in writing topics. And guess what? My child loves writing again. This amendment can potentially steal opportunities for students to have some choices. I'd hate to see that.

My other child is up to the eyeballs in AP lit. Yes, it's gritty.  I've read several selections. We talk about them. Literature opens the door for talking to my teenagers about things we typically wouldn't talk about. It has actually been an eye-opening experience to broach such topics with my child.

I guess if I could ask someone behind this proposed amendment a few questions they would be:

1 - Who is the judge of sensitive? What credentials would said judge have?

2 - How will this limit my child's choices in school?

3 - What burdens will this put on my child's teachers?

4 - Why is the state compelled to get involved in something that school divisions can handle on their own?

5 - If the state must intervene, is there a better approach? This proposal is extreme.