Book Dispute: Elmhurst D205 Officials Address Feedback

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst School District 205 board members this week aired their views on the book "American Street," which the district is considering for York High School freshmen.

They spoke about the novel late in their board meeting Tuesday night. This was after most of the supporters and opponents of the book had left.

Earlier in the meeting, the board heard views both for and against. Local conservative leader Tom Chavez read passages that contained obscenities and a racial slur. A man loudly objected. A young girl covered her ears.

The board approved other new materials for courses, but delayed a vote on "American Street." Officials said they were taking a pause and reflecting on local feedback.

Member Kara Caforio said she and some other board members read the book. She said she appreciated the pause.

"It is a good book, but it also has a lot of profanity," Caforio said. "I think the question is, where is the line? That is challenging."

She said another question is why "American Street" was recommended and not some other book that would involve a similar skill, story or connection.

"I like to think that we're thinking about our kids in what we expose them to when we make something required," Caforio said.

Member Courtenae Trautmann said she both read and listened to the book.

"It is a powerful book, and it impacted me," Trautmann said. "There is a balance about what is too much."

She noted the book was about a Haitian immigrant thrust into the gang-dominated streets of Detroit.

"I don't think you can use nice language there," Trautmann said. "This book was very real and very raw and very powerful. And I think the rigor was there because it made you think."

Board President Athena Arvanitis said she was glad the district was reviewing the book further.

"I want to echo that idea of balance," she said. "What struck me tonight is the idea of appropriate and inappropriate."

If the board deems "American Street" appropriate, she said, "then what is considered inappropriate?"