[CASL-L] [EXTERNAL] Book challenge policies

[Elaine Shapiro]

You make a good point Jen, that it is hard for people to find quality
reviews of books.   How *would *your average person access professional
book reviews?

On Thu, 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>
> 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
>> [image: image.png]
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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."
>
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