NEWARK, Md. -- A new motion is on the table, seeking to involve all Worcester County taxpayers in the decision-making process regarding the inclusion or exclusion of books in school libraries. The proposal comes after concerns were raised about the appropriateness of certain books for high school students.
In Worcester County, the ongoing debate over certain books deemed controversial continues to captivate public attention. During a recent Board of Education meeting, the spotlight was on literature with sexually explicit content, dominating the majority of the public comment period.
At the meeting, board member Katie Addis introduced a motion suggesting that all taxpayers in Worcester County should have the right to challenge books. This proposition has sparked diverse opinions among community members.
Tony Weeg, a parent with children in Worcester County Public Schools, expressed discomfort with the idea.
"It would be hard for me to stomach the outside, dogmatic opinion of someone who wants to pontificate what we should have in our schools or not, based on their moral values. We don't need that in public schools," said Weeg.
In contrast, Heather Kiser, another WCPS parent, supports the notion of more community input.
"I definitely do," said Kiser. "Because they might have children in the future or I do think that if they're a taxpayer you should be allowed to voice your opinion."
Currently, only a parent, guardian, school employee or student has the authority to challenge a book, a process that could potentially result in the removal of literature from school libraries. Some residents in Worcester County are advocating to maintain this system, limiting the ability to challenge books.
"Making sure that everybody has an equal chance and that we're not pushing any sort of personal dogma or personal religious beliefs on any of them, that's why we're in public schools, for that reason," said Weeg.
This local controversy mirrors a national debate on the role of certain books in educational settings. The President of the Board of Education has clarified that no decision has been reached regarding whether taxpayers will be granted the ability to challenge books. The motion is slated for further discussion at the upcoming Board of Education meeting on December 19th.