Let me introduce myself. I am an extreme parent. I have been given that title by the current GHAPS school board because I believe GHAPS should require my permission before my child is given books containing sexually explicit material.
Where do you stand on this issue? Here is one passage of many from the book All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson available at Grand Haven High School. “He reached his hand down and pulled out my dick. He quickly went to giving me head. I just sat back and enjoyed it as I could tell he was, too.”
I don’t care if this scene depicts gay, straight, transgender, queer, or lesbian relations. Sexually explicit content is not appropriate for a school library. I could care less if this is available in the public library or in your local bookstore, but I do believe schools should not be giving books containing sexually explicit text and/or images to minors. There are numerous books like this in the Grand Haven Area Public School libraries.
According to Michigan Law 722.655 Disseminating sexually explicit matter to a minor is a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $10,000.00, or both.
Now ask yourself is my stance really extremist?
The current school board members have determined that these types of sexually explicit materials are age appropriate for minors. They have been notified this is an issue in Grand Haven school libraries by dozens of parents since 2019 and their only action has been to create a document that outlines a new procedure of reviewing concerning library books which makes books more likely to stay in school libraries. Please note that Spring Lake School District created a similar procedure which resulted in a public outcry.
The Spring Lake School Board did not take appropriate action until there was a massive public outcry. Like Spring Lake, the Grand Haven School Board will not take action until the public demands it. Seventeen parents wanting to protect their children is not enough.
We know there are lots of community members that agree with protecting children from viewing sexually explicit material. Thank you so much for your support. Here are a few more things you can do if you aren’t doing them already. Please talk about this issue in your social circles. Come to school board meetings. Email librarians, principals, school board members and write Letters to the Editor of the Tribune. We need community support
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