Osseo School Board Keeps Controversial Book in 3-3 Vote

The Osseo Area Schools Board decided to keep a controversial book on Maple Grove High School shelves. 

The book is a graphic memoir titled “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic” written by Alison Bechdel. It was brought to a district-level reevaluation committee for review in January.

Allison Bechdel’s “Fun Home” is a graphic memoir exploring Bechdel’s relationship with her father.

Background

According to a summary from the January meeting, the challenger is a Maple Grove parent. That parent said she believes the book is not age appropriate and contains explicit content. The summary said she believed that by having the book in the library, the district is endorsing sexually explicit material.

The Instructional Materials Reevaluation Committee is made up of two members of the district parent advisory committee, one library media specialist, an elementary and secondary EM-O representative, and a student from each high school: Maple Grove, Osseo and Park Center.

After the parent spoke, the media specialist was given 10 minutes to explain how materials in the library are selected. She said that she examines materials ahead of time and considers students’ age, needs and maturity. She also said she selects books that give people perspective on other peoples’ lives or offer stories where students can see themselves.

The committee ended up voting 7-to-1 in a secret ballot to retain the book at Maple Grove Senior High.

That vote was appealed by parent Natalie Sonnek, who shared a five-minute testimony at Tuesday’s school board meeting. She argued the book contained inappropriate themes of pedophilia and depictions of suicide.

Maple Grove parent Natalie Sonnek shared concerns about “Fun Home” at Tuesday’s meeting.

“This heavy subject can have potential impact on vulnerable audiences, particularly minors, who do not have the proper guidance and support,” Sonnek said.

Librarian Sally Kimmes spoke in the public comment portion of the meeting. She said the book is an autobiographical, lived experience. 

Board Votes 3-3

Each board member said they read the book in preparation for the meeting.

Three board members: Heather Douglass, Tanya Prince and Sarah Mitchell voted to remove the book.

Mitchell argued the book does not align with the district’s mission and vision, while Douglass said the art in the book was not appropriate for the social, emotional and intellectual development of students of any age. Prince said this decision was about setting a precedent.

Three board members: Thomas Brooks, Tamara Grady and Jacquelene Mosqueda-Jones voted to keep the book on the shelves.

Board members discussed their reasons for voting to remove or keep “Fun Home” on Maple Grove High School shelves.

Mosquada-Jones emphasized that the story is nonfiction. Brooks said while he doesn’t relate to the story, others might.

“This could potentially help someone by being a book they can identify with,” Brooks said. “Because this is a book that is optional in the school library, or just in the library in general, for me, that’s why I’ll be voting to leave the book in the library.”

The 3-to-3 vote means the reevaluation committee’s decision stands. 

The full board meeting is available to watch on YouTube. Public comment starts an hour into the video and the book discussion begins at 2:51:00

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