What central schools in North Carolina have copies of books Lieutenant Governor Robinson condemned as filth?

RALEIGH, NC (WNCN) – Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson defended comments made in front of a church congregation in which he referred to “talking to any kid about transgender, homosexuality, all this stuff dirt”.

Robinson defended him in a released video statement and press conference Tuesday afternoon. He said he was referring to material used in schools rather than people. Among the books he referred to is “Gender Queer”. The book is largely the autobiographical account of its author Maia Kobabe and talks about gender identity.

In his video, Robinson showed graphic images which he said are in the book. He criticized his availability in schools.

Durham Public Schools is one of the districts that has a copy of “Gender Queer” in one of its libraries. It is not part of his curriculum or in the classroom.

“The Gender Queer book is not a DPS program resource and is not standard in our library collections. A DPS library has this book available in its collection and available for review. Durham Public Schools align with the American Library Association‘s philosophy of the Libraries Bill of Rights: “Books and other library resources are to be provided for the benefit, information, and enlightenment of the library. everyone in the community that the library serves. The materials should not be excluded because of the origin, context or the opinions of those who contributed to their creation. ‘ A diverse collection should contain content by and about a wide range of people and cultures to authentically reflect a variety of ideas, information, stories and experiences.

Library Charter of Rights:
I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the benefit, information and enlightenment of all persons in the community served by the library. The materials should not be excluded because of the origin, context or the opinions of those who contributed to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide documents and information presenting all perspectives on current and historical issues. Materials should not be prohibited or removed due to partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in fulfilling their responsibility to provide information and clarification.

IV. Libraries should cooperate with all individuals and groups affected by resistance to restriction of freedom of expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or restricted on the basis of origin, age, background or opinions.

VI. Libraries that make exhibition spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make these facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of the individuals or groups requesting their availability. use.

VII. All people, regardless of their origin, age, background or opinions, have the right to privacy and confidentiality in their use of the library. Libraries must defend, inform and protect the privacy of individuals, protecting all library usage data, including personally identifiable information.

The Director of the Office of Intellectual Freedom at the American Library Association spoke with CBS 17 to explain the role of public libraries and the purpose of the Libraries Bill of Rights:

“The Library Charter of Rights sets out the responsibilities of the library to provide access to information, regardless of the user’s background, not to censor authors because of their background, their opinions, their policy. But to provide access to a diverse range of material covering the range of political and social beliefs and to ensure that you represent all communities. That everyone can find themselves in the collection of the library.

“There are many works that refer to sex, there are non-fiction works that deal with human reproduction that might feature nudity or images that some people might object to. But the point is, a lot of the art features nudity or deals with sexual themes. Non-fiction, biology, human reproduction all deal with themes that some people might object to. The fact remains that there are people in the community who appreciate this literature or who want to have access to this information. All you have to remember is that reading is voluntary, reading is a choice. This doesn’t mean that it says anything about your values ​​or that it denigrates you in any way. It just means that the library is meeting those needs and has a real obligation to do so. “

“We respect the right of each parent, for example, to choose and direct their own child’s reading. But we think that doesn’t mean they can guide other children’s reading or dictate what other families can access, as values ​​vary and everyone should be able to read according to their own values ​​without no one interferes with them.

The Wake County Public School System issued a similar statement indicating that books are not taught in their schools. The district said it has 72 copies of Alex Gino’s “George”. Two schools each have a copy of “Gender Queer”. Six high schools each have a copy of Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison.

“We have a process for parents to object to any material or book. Board Policy 3210 provides parents with an opportunity to review documents and a process parents can use when they object to documents, ”a statement from WCPSS said.

WCPSS also mentioned that the state determines a curriculum for schools, not individual districts.