DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Some parents and students clashed Monday night at the Downers Grove High School District 99 school board meeting over the availability of a book on sexual orientation and gender identity; and at times, things got heated.
The book is "Gender Queer." It’s a graphic novel that deals with sexual orientation and gender identity; and it has prompted heated exchanges at school board meetings throughout the country.
On Monday night, resident Jim Devitt read part of the Illinois Criminal Code as his evidence the book should not be available to students.
"Material is harmful, if, to the average person - applying contemporary standards - its predominant appeal, taken as a whole, is the prurient interest that is a shameful or morbid interest in nudity, sex, excretion..." he said. "We have some signs up here. Pages from that book. Tell me how these pictures are educational in any purpose. This is pornography, plain and simple, and it does not belong in our schools!"
Meanwhile, Parent Jill Bartolme favored keeping the book available to students.
"The thought of banning books is very concerning to me, especially when it’s coming from the 'freedom-fighting' group," she said.
And students spoke in favor of allowing the book to remain on the library shelves.
Downers Grove North junior Julia Hanson said she has read the book.
"Nothing about this book was new to me. Just like nearly every other student at DGN, I have a cellphone where I’m shown new ideas every day. Parents, I can guarantee your teenagers have seen it all," she said.
Administrators will review the book, because there have been two formal complaints about it.
Currently, one copy of "Gender Queer" is available at each library at Downers Grove North and South high schools.
Related
