Why is opting out for school library material not enough?
In the spring of 2001 I purchased my first home here in Mount Vernon after extensive research into the school district, city council, and the vibe of the community. I wanted to start and raise a family in a place that welcomes and appreciates humans of all types. Despite not yet having children, I knew that I wanted them to grow up where they would be loved and accepted in whatever way they needed love and acceptance. To this point in their young lives, it is evident that Mount Vernon supports them as academics, artists, and athletes. I think this truly sets Mount Vernon apart from so many, many, many other small towns in Iowa.
It is because of the tradition of love and acceptance that our town has welcomed all – even those who have moved into the community with the apparent goal of eliminating this openness and changing the personality of the town. Though it seems it might not be the right fit for these particular adults, their children are supported and treasured.
I am deeply disturbed that there is a very vocal group of people (not all of them with children or grandchildren in the schools) who are actively trying to remove my choices as a parent when it comes to materials in our schools. For some students and families with financial and transportation constraints, school libraries are the only source of free reading materials. Removing that access is discriminatory. Additionally, every child should have access to stories that reflect their families and lives.
I have some questions and would love to hear answers from all school board candidates: How is the long-standing opt-out policy not enough? How can one family’s choice to limit outrank another family’s choice to expand? One can always narrow within their own home, right? I trust my children to understand that if ABC is school/public policy, but XYZ is our family’s moral policy they are expected to follow XYZ above and beyond ABC. Do you not trust what you have taught your children? I look forward to your responses.
Courtenay Baker
Mount Vernon