Suffield Schools Adopt New Rules For Book Challenges

SUFFIELD, CT — Suffield school officials have adopted new rules governing challenges to books, library displays and student programs.

The Board of Education unanimously approved three library-related policies during its Sept. 8 meeting, according to meeting minutes.

The policies cover the development and maintenance of school library collections, the review of challenged materials and the use of library displays and programs.

Under the material-review policy, challenges may be filed by current students, their parents or guardians, and school district employees.

Concerns will first be discussed with the building principal and school library media specialist in an effort to resolve the matter informally. If that does not work, the person may submit a formal reconsideration request to the principal.

A review committee appointed by the superintendent would then consider the request. The committee must read a challenged book in its entirety and issue a written decision within 60 school days.

The committee would include school administrators, a Board of Education representative, a teacher, two parents and a certified school librarian. In some cases, a high school student may also be appointed.

Books and other educational materials will remain available to students while a challenge is under review. Once the committee makes a decision, the same material, display or program cannot be challenged again for three years.

The policy also states that a book cannot be removed solely because someone finds it offensive. Materials, displays and programs may only be excluded for legitimate educational reasons or accepted collection-maintenance practices.

A person who filed a challenge may appeal the committee’s decision to the Board of Education. The board would determine whether the review process was properly followed and publish its decision on the district’s website.

The three policies passed 6-0 as part of the board’s consent agenda. Members Debra Dudack, Greg Sparzo and Sam Toskin were absent.

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