The US Constitution’s 1st Amendment does not grant minors the right to access or be exposed to materials that are “harmful to minors.” See Idaho’s definition of “Materials Harmful to Minors” per Idaho Code 18-1514 (section 6).
Check Your School’s Library:
- 1) Check Parent’s Top “Harmful to Minor” Book List (ratings between 3/5 to 5/5)
- 2) Check online to see if any are in your School’s Library
American Library Association (ALA): The ALA (a private non-profit company) is against allowing parental involvement in library materials that are made available to their children; Also, the ALA recommends that Librarians use “sustained messaging” that “reframes” materials that are “sexually inappropriate for minors” and “promote them as diverse materials and programming that are about inclusion….” (video: 2min. 48secs.)
If you come across a book in your child’s public school curriculum or library and believe this book meets the definition of “Harmful To Minors,” you may wish to submit a “Reconsideration for Removal” request for that book by following WASD’s procedure policy 602.22.
The Library Book Reconsideration Process at WASD:
Read, FULLY understand, and FULLY follow WASD’s policy #602.21-AR, basic flow:
1st) Request a meeting with the site Principal and site Librarian,
2nd) Request an Administration Review (Standing Committee) – first opportunity to remove book,
3rd) Request a Formal Committee Review (Administration and Parents) – second opportunity to remove book,
4th) Request a Board of Trustees review and vote. – last opportunity to remove the book.
For more info on how to challenge a “Harmful to Minors” book, you may wish to contact WASD’s Library Coordinator: Dennis Hahs, hahs.dennis@westada.org
Parent Advocates of Treasure Valley (PATV) 