York Parents Challenge Required Book For Freshmen

ELMHURST, IL – Two Elmhurst parents on Tuesday challenged a book that is required reading for York High School freshmen.

The book in question is "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," written by Sherman Alexie in 2007.

The American Library Association labeled it the most-challenged book from 2010 to 2019. It is a novel written from the perspective of a Native American teenager.

During public comments at a school board meeting, resident Chris Lameka read passages from the book about masturbation and erections.

Lameka noted a slur against gays in the book and said one page contained a racial epitaph. The book quotes the main character using the N-word.

"The D205 board is supposed to act in the best interest of students," Lameka told the board. "Do you honestly believe that this book promotes an inclusive environment or contributes to a sense of worth for all students?"

He asked longtime board members Jim Collins and Karen Stuefen why they approved the book as required reading in 2014 and 2016.

"How does this vulgar and degrading book contribute to an equitable education for all students or their sense of belonging?" Lameka asked. "Or is this part of the offering of a diverse learning experience that we can come to expect at York?"

Another resident, Becca Harpster, also took exception to the book, calling it "inappropriate content for minor children," particularly for ninth graders. Other districts that include the book in the curriculum do so for juniors or seniors, she said.

She also said the book has shown to have a low rating for text complexity, known as the "Lexile level."

"This is not about banning. Anyone can buy this book on Amazon for $11," she said. "It's about the district providing age-level content for minor children and books that contribute to a rigorous curriculum and not detract from one."

None of the board members responded to the speakers, following their policy for public comments. Members Stuefen and Chris Kocinski were absent.

In an interview last week, Tom Chavez, a critic of District 205's curriculum and a school board candidate, criticized the use of the book as required reading. He said his children were mandated to read the book as freshmen, but he wasn't aware of its content at the time.

He said the book was inappropriate and that it failed to meet the test for academic rigor.