Alberta Education says it has discovered multiple books with what it calls explicit sexual content in school libraries across the province and is now consulting with Albertans as it looks to create a consistent framework of standards that will be followed by all schools moving forward. --NEWS FILE PHOTO
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
The government has deemed several books found on school library shelves inappropriate for students due to the “graphic and sexual” content found within.
Following an investigation conducted by Alberta Education the province claims it has identified multiple books with explicit sexual content in school libraries across the province that depict “extremely graphic and age-inappropriate” content.
On Monday, Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the province will be conducting public engagement to collect feedback on the creation of a framework of standards which school divisions can follow to ensure “age-appropriate materials” are available to students.
“Different boards have taken different approaches to choosing these kinds of materials for their school libraries. In some instances, sexually explicit material has made its way onto school library shelves, raising significant concerns for parents,” said Nicolaides. “These materials contain nudity and graphic explicit depictions of sexual acts and images, including oral sex.”
Four works provided as examples by the province include “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe, “Fun Home” by Alision Bechdel, “Blankets” by Draig Thompson and “Flamer” by Mike Curato.
Each of these works has been flagged for “sexual activities and nudity, as well as other mature content, including drug and alcohol use, self-harm and suicidal commentary,” the government states.
The government says it is in good faith inviting Albertans to provide input on what they believe is acceptable for school library collections by launching an online survey.
“We are going to do something about this serious issue by consulting Albertans and creating standards to ensure students do not have access to age-inappropriate materials in school libraries,” said Demetrios.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association immediately expressed concerns over the government’s decision to ban books that it deems inappropriate, and says the province is specifically targeting LGBTQIA+ content.
“We are concerned that the selection process the government has initiated has the potential to prioritize special interest groups arriving at their own predetermined agendas and further target diverse communities,” said president Jason Schilling.
The ATA is calling on the province to engage in consultation with librarians, teachers, students, as well as families, to develop local policies to ensure subject matter offered to students affirms their freedom to read and experience a variety of media that represents the dignity of diverse lived experiences.
“The association supports transparency and parental involvement and recognizes the need for age and grade appropriateness of texts,” said Schilling.
CUPE, which represents library workers at the Edmonton Public School Board, says the government is prioritizing issues that include banning books with gay and queer themes while at the same time avoiding discussion around overcrowding in classrooms and student funding levels that don’t match inflation.
“The problems in Alberta education today stem from underfunded schools,” said Mandy Lamoureux, president local 3550. “(Monday’s) announcement is a transparent attempt to distract from funding issues with dubious culture wars.”
Lamoureux argues that, “Teens need adults to actually be adults about sex,” and points to the ease of access to pornography on the internet.
“Sex is something kids know about and need to learn about in thoughtful and respectful ways,” adds Lamoureux.
The province is asking all school districts to implement a new standard, along with publicly available policies, by the beginning of the 2025/26 school year.
“The new standards will apply to public, separate, francophone, charter and independent schools,” reads a press release.
The Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education has launched an online survey for parents to share input on how school library materials are selected and managed, and is available by visiting its website until June 6.
