Pi Flori Blume’s “Forever” February 18,2010 by Blog ofthe National Coalition Against Censorship StiBhy te Seay NCAC, with a litle help from our friends, senta letter uraing Sugartoaf School in ‘Summeriand Key, FL, to retain Judy Blume’s Forever in the schoo! library affer the parents of one student objected to the book's sexual content. The parents have requested its removal from the library claiming that Forever contains “a distorted view of sex, promiscuity, [and is] usurping parental control.” ‘Who is truly usurping control? Is it the book? Or is it the parents, whose objection imposes on another parent or child's right to access material of their choosing? NCAC Executive Director Joan Bertin writes, ‘Some parents prefer to keep their children from reading about sex; others may strongly disapprove of teen sexual activity and stil not censor their children’s reading. Some parents appreciate books like Forever, because they can create opportunities for adults and teens to talk about sensitive topics. Even if the novel's themes are too mature for some students, they will be meaningful to others. No book is right for everyone, and the role of the library is to allow students to make choices according to their own interests, experiences, and family values. No fone has to read something just because i's on the library shelf. Lestwe forget “[T]he mere fact that a child is exposed on occasion in public schoo! to a concept offensive to a parent's religious belief does not inhibit the parent from instructing the child differently. A parent Whose ‘child is exposed to sensitive topics or information [at school] remains free to discuss. these matters and to place them in the family's moral or religious context, orto supplement the information with more appropriate materials.” Good idea! Parents, instead of complaining about material you'd prefer were inaccessible to your children, Use it as an opportunity for parenting, UPDATE: The school's reconsideration committee met and decided to keep Forever'n its library! ‘Tags: book challenge, florida, Forever, JUDY BLUME, Parker v. Hurley, school library, Summerland Key Florida Posted in Teresa Koberstein: Author | 2 Comments » ty Expression 2010 Show February 17, 2010 by Blog ofthe National Coalition Ageinst Censorship noes