Ankeny students defend their right to read various books

At a regular Ankeny school board meeting, students came forward to express their support for literature that represents various identities and views that have been criticized by conservative activists in recent months.

The predominant topic was diverse literature and several students signed up to talk about it. The majority were in favor of free access to contested books that explore LGBTQ and racial identities.

“For my part, I feel a lot more comfortable with myself because I’ve been exposed to literature that concerns me,” said Carter Danielson, a sophomore at Ankeny High School.

He spoke of being a voracious reader throughout his life and of the importance of reading to him and his view of the world. He said students should be allowed to decide for themselves what offends them or is too much for them to handle.

“I don’t know about you, but I would much prefer my children to form their own opinions, beliefs and views about the world on their own and not just by what people around them say or do,” did he declare. “Without access to a variety of books, these kids won’t be able to do it. “

Taylor Hedenberg, who identifies as a lesbian, said she grew up in an unfavorable environment and rushed to books that represented the queer experience. When she saw characters love each other unashamedly, she said it had a huge impact on her.

“These books can help kids like me who are confused and not in a place where they could experiment without being endangered,” she said. “Banning these books potentially means leaving young gay children confused and grappling with their identities, which could lead to mental health issues and, in some cases, suicide. “

Two other students, juniors Jemma Bullock and Livia Rouston, spoke about statistics.

Jemma mentioned the high rates of suicide attempts among LGBTQ youth and how positive portrayal can lower those numbers. Livia pointed out that according to statistics on the number of people who identify as LGBTQ, more than 200 Ankeny high school students fall into this category.

She also spoke about the types of discrimination and hostility LGBTQ youth face, citing an incident in Texas where in September a boy was harassed and assaulted at a football game for being gay.

Examples like this, she said, are the reason people need to be exposed to diverse literature.

“These stories are just examples of how queer and transgender people are abused,” Rouston said. “If America is so free, so equal, and so tolerant, why shouldn’t we take the time to educate ourselves, our children and our peers about people and their differences? “

Dagan Peacock-Fleming, representative for the Ankeny LGBTQ + League, graduated from the school and said that while some families may find them inappropriate, she thinks it is important to have access to a diverse literature and that personal opinions should not be the deciding factor. for educational resources.

Jana Youngquist, an Ankeny student and member of the LGBTQ community, said that when she sees books that offer material she can relate to, she feels safe.

“I’m always trying to find my place in the world, and one thing that comforts me is the performance,” she said. “It’s so, so important that every student who attends our school can feel safe and find connections in something they can relate to and feel, once again, safe and unashamed. “

In November, an Ankeny Review Panel made up of the District Administration and District Certified Teaching Librarians ruled on four disputed books: “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe, “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson, “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexei, and “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” by Jesse Andrews.

The group recommended that all books except “Gender Queer,” a thesis in graphic novel form, remain in schools because of the valuable perspectives they offer and the stories they tell.

For “Gender Queer,” the group decided that some aspects were too mature for any school age.

“Often in books, people can skip sections or create their own images depending on their personal maturity level,” the group wrote. “In this case, however, the graphic images are already provided to the reader by the author and may not correspond to a student’s personal maturity level.”

This problem has been constant in central Iowa, with challenges coming from Waukee, Urbandale and Johnston, as well as Ankeny.

But if that prompted state lawmakers like the Senses. Jake Chapman and Brad Zaun to pledge to sue teachers and librarians who let students read these books, this has also led to a wave of support from communities, and more and more from the students involved.

“I like to think of it like a puzzle. You cannot solve a puzzle with only the pieces that you like the appearance of. You also need items that might not make sense until you put them into the set, ”Carter said.

Nikoel Hytrek
Posted on 12/07/21