Stillwater School Board Addresses Book Access Controversy
The Stillwater Area School District board meeting Tuesday drew extensive public comment regarding restricted access to LGBTQ+ books in elementary libraries, with community members divided on the appropriateness of the materials for young students.
The controversy centers on three books - "Call Me Max," "Granddad's Pride," and "Granddad's Camper" - that were recently restricted to require parental permission for elementary student checkout. Board Chair Sherman clarified that the district has not implemented a formal book challenge process, but rather conducted internal discussions about alignment with current policy.
Multiple speakers criticized the restrictions, arguing they violated established district procedures and sent harmful messages to LGBTQ+ students. Dr. Julia Conozeel, a pediatric neuropsychologist and district parent, testified that the developmental topics in "Call Me Max" are age-appropriate for elementary students, noting that children develop stable gender identity between ages 3-4.
Other community members supported the restrictions, with some speakers questioning whether the materials were appropriate for young children and emphasizing parental rights in educational decisions. The board did not engage in discussion with speakers during the public comment period.
Chair Sherman acknowledged the district's policies are outdated and announced plans to create Policy 606.5 specifically for media center materials selection and management. The policy committee will work to present the updated policy to the full board by April or May, with multiple opportunities for community feedback planned.
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Areas of Interest (5)
- Stillwater school district faces accusations of 'book banning' and censorship regarding LGBTQ+ youth titles.
- Tensions rise as parents and community members clash over District Policy 606 and the role of parental vs. professional oversight.
- Pediatric experts and community advocates claim book restrictions violate state law and marginalize gender-diverse students.
- Opposing parents argue that restrictive policies protect children from developmentally inappropriate content and cite 'pornographic' imagery.
- External influence of conservative groups like 'Moms for Liberty' and 'Book Looks' alleged to be shaping local school library policy.
Notable Quotes (3)
My fear with having restricted access leads to the question of how far would we be willing to go to give those with arbitrary opinions of voice.
Restricting access to inclusive and affirming stories such as call me Max sends a message to our students that gender diverse youth are not valued here.
The books in question have not been censored or banned they simply require parental permission to check out.
People (10)
Karen MutyStillwater Graduate/ParentArgued against book restrictions and cited violation of policy 606.
1 quote
Argued against book restrictions and cited violation of policy 606.
“My fear with having restricted access leads to the question of how far would we be willing to go to give those with arbitrary opinions of voice.”
Critique of book restriction policy
Heidi GildyResident/ParentAdvocated for LGBTQ+ visibility and library access.
1 quote
Advocated for LGBTQ+ visibility and library access.
“Library to me is a place of Sanctuary a place of learning a place where there's no bias.”
Defense of library as an inclusive space
Dr. Julia Cono ZeelPediatric Neuropsychologist/ParentUsed clinical expertise to argue that books are developmentally appropriate.
1 quote
Used clinical expertise to argue that books are developmentally appropriate.
“Restricting access to inclusive and affirming stories such as call me Max sends a message to our students that gender diverse youth are not valued here.”
Impact of censorship on student well-being
Anna ZenkoCommunity MemberQuestioned the legality and procedural transparency of book challenges.
1 quote
Questioned the legality and procedural transparency of book challenges.
“Shouldn't we be letting our policies guide our sound decision making versus scrambling to find policies to fit the actions we have taken?”
Critique of administrative process
Emily HillStillwater Resident/ParentShared an open letter from author Kyle Lukoff regarding the book restrictions.
1 quote
Shared an open letter from author Kyle Lukoff regarding the book restrictions.
“The fact that you have decided to restrict students access to this title is frankly a betrayal of your own stated values.”
Reading from Kyle Lukoff's letter
Morgan BurnStillwater ResidentCriticized the restriction of books as fear-mongering.
1 quote
Criticized the restriction of books as fear-mongering.
“Banning these books which highlight the experience of a gay man and a trans child is playing into the culture of fear-mongering.”
On LGBTQ+ representation
Dr. Nina CooperResidentSupported parental rights and raised concerns about specific book illustrations.
1 quote
Supported parental rights and raised concerns about specific book illustrations.
“The books in question have not been censored or banned they simply require parental permission to check out.”
Defending parental control
Kate HarryRetired Psychologist/ResidentClaimed books contained inappropriate imagery for children.
1 quote
Claimed books contained inappropriate imagery for children.
“The pictures being shared with you are graphic even in cartoonish form depicting nudity and bondage.”
Objection to specific book content
Kathy SaltzmanResidentDefended school staff and criticized outside influence on library policy.
1 quote
Defended school staff and criticized outside influence on library policy.
“I am disheartened with what feels like someone's personal crusade to harm the reputation of this district.”
Comment on school board discourse
Jody JacobsonRegistered NurseSupported library accessibility and linked current restrictions to broader censorship trends.
1 quote
Supported library accessibility and linked current restrictions to broader censorship trends.
“What's next will you ban the books on the Holocaust or an Frank's diary?”
Concerns about slippery slope of censorship
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (1)
- Public School Board Meeting (Date unspecified in text)
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Challenge to restricted access of LGBTQ+ library titles
Review of School District Policy 606 regarding instructional materials
Debate over parental rights vs. professional media specialist expertise
Procedures for student access to restricted library content
Concerns regarding book censorship and diversity in educational materials
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