[CASL-L] [EXTERNAL] Book challenge policies

[Susan Smey]

Just curious…does your policy state that the person making the challenge must be…a parent? a taxpayer? a resident of the town?

On May 4, 2023, at 7:49 AM, Rocca, Jen <Roccaj at brookfieldps.org> wrote:


We are facing challenges in Brookfield right now. Some of our policy ("addendum" below) was rewritten just last year.

Our policy doesn't designate a specific timeline. We have replied to all requests within 1-2 business days and then kept the "requestor" in the loop on each step. Getting the books in a timely manner hasn't been a problem because the process starts when they email their concern, then we send them a reconsideration form to complete. While they are completing that form, we've had time to order books and get them in before the forms were returned. Our responses to a request for reconsideration email look like this (policy links included)

I am responding to your April 10th email requesting to have three books removed from the Brookfield High School library.  Attached you will find the Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form. As per Regulation 6653 - School Library Media<https://www.brookfield.k12.ct.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif4196/f/pages/final_6563_reg.pdf>  we will follow the following steps:

  *   Supply the requesting person with a copy of the library's Selection Policy. (see Regulation 6653 - School Library Media<https://www.brookfield.k12.ct.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif4196/f/pages/final_6563_reg.pdf>)
  *   Supply the requesting person with the library's Request For Reconsideration of Materials form and ask that the form be completed. (attached)
  *   Ask that the completed form be returned to and discussed with the Library Media Specialist
  *   After the completed form has been returned and discussed, the Library Media Specialists will discuss the request with a committee assigned by the Principal, to read or review the material, to reexamine the reviews, and determine any action to be taken.
  *   The Principal will notify the person making the request of the action taken.

Please complete the attached form, one for each book, and return it to Ms. Rocca and Ms. Malatesta, the BHS teacher librarians.

All of the relevant Brookfield Board of Education policies, addendums, and regulations are linked here:
6563 - Policy - School Library Media<https://www.brookfield.k12.ct.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif4196/f/pages/6563_policy.pdf>
6563 - Addendum - School Library Media<https://www.brookfield.k12.ct.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif4196/f/pages/final_appeals_to_library_media.pdf>
6653 - Regulation - School Library Media<https://www.brookfield.k12.ct.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif4196/f/pages/final_6563_reg.pdf>


One thing I've learned about our policy is a problem with the reconsideration form. It asks that they: "Cite two reviews/criticisms which you have consulted in the process of forming your opinion about this work. Include quotations which substantiate your opinions." Nobody yet has been able to do that. They just quote parts of the book they don't like. We sent a form back and explained what we meant by "review" as described in our BOE regulation (see bullet below), they came back with 1-star Amazon reviews. I think this part of our form was well conceived but is not working.

     *   "In order to assure intelligent discrimination in the selection of resources some of the following selection tools are used for reviewing purposes: Library Journal, Booklist, Horn Book, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Review" ( 6653 - Regulation - School Library Media<https://www.brookfield.k12.ct.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif4196/f/pages/final_6563_reg.pdf> )

We haven't yet convened our committee but we probably will within the week. The makeup of that committee is not dictated by the policy and I think maybe it should be. At least some guidelines would be helpful, for example, "A STEM teacher, a Humanities teacher, a school counselor or psychologist, an administrator, etc.)



On Wed, May 3, 2023 at 3:58 PM Elaine Shapiro <elaine.shapiro7 at gmail.com<mailto:elaine.shapiro7 at gmail.com>> wrote:
Dear colleagues,
We LMSs in East Windsor are recommending changes to our BOE collection and challenged book policies, and have a couple questions.
1.  What is your district's time line for gathering copies of a book being challenged, and having a reconsideration committee read the book?  We suggested 4 weeks, because we felt it would take time to gather copies from other libraries, particularly if the book is in high demand. But we wonder if 6 weeks is better.
2.  In this document, posted by Martha Hickson,  https://drive.google.com/file/d/12KL1PsNJmAStpq7FuM2LpdE-eUS6SNBg/view?pli=1
there is a wonderful list of NJ state instructional regulations, that book challengers need to explain why the questioned book does not meet.
I'd like to find such a list for CT.  Has anyone done this?
Thank you for your thoughts,
Elaine Shapiro, East Windsor Public Schools
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--

Jennifer Rocca (she/her)
BHS Teacher Librarian
203-775-7725 x-7775

"We are a learning community committed to fostering intellect, respect, and integrity."
<Form - Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials.pdf>
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