Books in schools, from literature to curriculum, are getting new considerations, especially in a midterm election year looking for controversial topics.
Not at Deer Valley Unified School District, though.
Some school districts are getting national — even international — attention for banning books. A district in Tennessee last month drew backlash after banning “Maus,” a graphic novel about the Holocaust, because of “rough” language and a naked drawing of a female.
Meanwhile, the Arizona House passed a GOP-led House Bill 2495 that would make it illegal for schools to include material in their curriculum that includes sexual conduct, suggest “sexual stimulation or arousal,” or feature any acts of homosexuality.
DVUSD hasn’t been met with any efforts from district families to ban books, however, a spokesperson said this week.
“I haven’t been able to find any lists that parents have submitted to the district regarding book complaints,” Deer Valley Unified director of communications and community engagement Monica Allred shared in an email to the Glendale Independent.
The Arizona Senate is taking HB 2495 up in committee as recently as this week. Critics charge that broadly written bill could make any mention or teaching of the LGBT community illegal.
Steve Stockmar News Editor | Sun Life Magazine & Arts & Entertainment
YourValley.net @stevestockmar
Meet Steve Steve Stockmar joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2017, and has been an Arizona journalist for almost 30 years. He serves as editor of Sun Life Magazine and contributes to West Valley communities where he focuses mostly on arts & culture, education, and profiles of neighbors making a difference.
Community: Every season Steve serves as a “buddy” with the Miracle League of Arizona in Scottsdale, has volunteered his time with Family Promise in Glendale, and previously served on the Ghostlight Theatre board in Sun City West.
Education: Graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a Journalism major and English minor.
Random Fact: Steve once won a 50-player live Texas Hold ’Em poker tournament.
Hobbies: Anguishing over his beloved Chicago Cubs and Bears; listening to Beatles and Grateful Dead music.
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