Immigrant Separation Book Pulled From Curriculum By Darien Public Schools

DARIEN, CT — Darien Public Schools has pulled an illustrated children's book centered around immigrant separation from the fourth grade curriculum following a recent complaint.

Superintendent of DPS Dr. Alan Addley sent a letter to families on Jan. 16 detailing the decision made by the Superintendent's Review Committee (SRC), which is comprised of administrators, teachers and parents.

"Mama's Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation," by Edwidge Danticat, was submitted for review after a resident issued a complaint per the school district's policy that allows for challenges to instructional materials.

The illustrated book follows Saya, who listens to bedtime stories from her mother who was sent to an immigration detention center.

"Moved by her mother’s tales and her father’s attempts to reunite their family, Saya writes a story of her own - one that just might bring her mother home for good," a description of the book from publisher Penguin Random House says. "With stirring illustrations, this tender tale shows the human side of immigration and imprisonment - and shows how every child has the power to make a difference."

In his letter to families, Addley said the review committee determined that while the book "is a valuable resource, it is not developmentally appropriate for teaching the feeling word 'anxious' to 4th-grade students as part of the District's SEL curriculum."

SEL stands for Social Emotional Learning.

The review committee recommended the book be removed from the fourth grade SEL suggested reading list, but it will remain accessible in libraries for students and staff.

"After carefully considering the SRC's thorough evaluation, as well as input from the Complainant, I am in support of the Committee's findings and recommendations," Addley said, thanking those involved in the process "for their thoughtful engagement."

"This decision reflects our ongoing dedication to ensuring that the District's instructional materials used in our schools are appropriate, diverse, and responsive to the needs of all students and families," Addley added.

The policy to challenge instructional materials was created in October 2023 after another book, "Julián is a Mermaid," sparked controversy in Darien.

Any parent or guardian of a current student in DPS, enrolled in the school in which the challenged material is being used, or an employee of the Board of Education, can raise objections to instructional materials, according to the policy.