Action | Amendments Regarding Use of Controversial or Sensitive Instructional Materials |
Stage | NOIRA |
Comment Period | Ended on 1/15/2014 |
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Let me remind everyone why we are having this conversation. A parent in Fairfax objected to Toni Morrison's Beloved being used in an AP English class. The local school board reviewed the situation and decided NOT to remove the book from the curriculum. Under Virginia code, these decisions are left to the discretion of locally elected school boards. Subsequently, this parent and her allies have taken the matter to the state level in an attempt to circumvent the authority of the local school board, or more to the point, impose new regulations on the entire state. Fairfax's elected officials have made their decision, a few of their citizens disagree, and now ALL school divisions may have to bend to the will of a small minority in Fairfax. Let each locality decide what is appropraite for their curriculum. This procedure in written into code, supported by enormous precedent, and is correct in its deference to local government.