Banned Book Display At Westport School Draws Outrage From Some Parents

WESTPORT, CT — Some parents expressed concerns over a banned book display at Staples High School during a school board meeting Monday, Fox News Digital reports. The display included some of the most challenged books across the country over the past year, such as "Gender Queer" and "This Book is Gay."

According to Fox News Digital, one parent referred to the books as "pornographic" and another suggested the books did not need to be displayed so prominently. Superintendent Thomas Scarice noted similar books have been available at the school's library for over a decade.

ABC 15 News reports the display was put up last month in recognition of Banned Books Week, an annual event promoted by the American Library Association. Scarice noted in a letter last week the district had received nine formal challenges to the books on display.

The board discussed the complaints in private before the meeting Monday, which some board members disagreed with, ABC 15 News reports. Vice Chair Liz Heyer also proposed a policy be discussed that ensured "age-appropriate filters and lenses" in school library materials, but it was struck down.

According to the ALA website, Banned Books Week "celebrates the freedom to read and spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools." The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted for removal or restriction in libraries and schools.