In recent months, NCSD removed 34 books from the shelves of the school libraries after Nassau Citizens Defending Freedom had objected to a books which were considered inappropriate content. This action was met locally with strong support and acclamation. The NCSD was subsequently sued in federal court by the two authors of one of the books (Tango Makes Three) in coordination with parents of two minor children in the district – Sara Moerman and Toby Lentz. These parties were represented by attorneys from New York and Miami. This case is significant enough that it received press coverage from USA Today as a case “with significant stakes” regarding First Amendment law.
School district officials appeared to stand by their actions at first. According to USA Today, school district officials stated such decisions are actually protected by the First Amendment, which they are accused of violating.” (Our) actions constitute government speech for which no First Amendment protections attach”. Steger Law Firm PLLC stated “There is no constitutional right to have one’s book remain on the shelves of a public school library. Plaintiffs cannot demonstrate standing.”
Then, in a shocking turnaround Superintendent Burns sent a Proposed Settlement Agreement to the School Board seeking approval to negotiate a settlement.
Plaintiffs proposed settlement would seek to 1) immediately return 3 of the books to the shelves (including Tango Makes Three) with no age restrictions and 2) return 21 more books to the shelves without age restrictions unless a public meeting is held. 3) a new book review process would be held for the rest of the books and, if the book is found to warrant removal, hold a public meeting.
These books were validated by Nassau CDF utilizing a website called booklooks.org. The Nassau school district review committee agreed to immediately remove 31 of the books due to violations of Section 847.001 84.012. Booklooks uses a rating scale: 0 -no age restriction; 1)some content may not be appropriate for very young children; 2) some content may not be appropriate for children under 13; 3) minor restricted; under 18 requires guidance of parent or guardian; 4)explicit sexual nudity; 5) aberrant content; adults only. You are encouraged to see for yourself on Booklooks.org about the content of these books as direct text examples from the books are also given online for your guidance.
Of the three books in part 1 above, Tango is rated 1. Ghost Boys is rated 2. Almost Perfect is rated 3.
The school district is proposing to put these books back on the shelves with no age restrictions whatsoever. Of the books in Part 2 above, the range is from 2 to 5. Four of the books are rated 4; 1 is rated a 5. These will go back on the shelves with no age restrictions. Of the books in Part 3 above, the range is from 3 to 5. Remember, a 5 rating is aberrant content; adults only.
What can we do about this unfortunate turn of events?
If you agree it is unacceptable for these books to be readily available to children and, if you agree you do not want your tax money paying for these types of books, please ATTEND THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 12TH TO EXPRESS YOUR CONCERNS.
Personal attendance and speaking is a powerful message. Emails and phone calls will also help. In all communications to the school board and staff, please be respectful, fact based and firm that we expect them to protect children and not cave to special interests and extremists. Share your concerns on school & social media sites.
School Board and Superintendent Contact information
Nassau County School Superintendent:
Dr. Kathy Burns, Superintendent [email protected] (904) 491-9902
Nassau County School Board Members:
Shannon Hogue, District 1, [email protected] 904-556-1568
Gail Cook, District 2, [email protected] (904) 261-9127 (h)
Curtis Gaus, District 3, [email protected] 904-887-9071
Dr. Cynthia Grooms, District 4, [email protected] 904-845-8105
Lisa Braddock, District 5, [email protected] 904-507-9522 (C)
