Owasso School Board votes to update library policy after parental concerns over explicit content

OWASSO, Okla. — On Monday night, the Owasso Public School Board voted unanimously to update the school library policy.

The proposed changes came after parents claimed they saw pornographic content described and depicted in certain books.

Some students showed up to the meeting to speak against the policy changes, while several parents showed up to support the changes.

Several new lines were added to policy, including the following:

• ...parents or legal guardians shall have the right to restrict access to library materials for their student(s).
• Materials are selected for validity, currency, and appropriateness of content. This includes an inspection of every graphic novel, prior to placing in the collection, for potential material involving sexually explicit content and extreme vulgarity.

The following language, while previously proposed, was struck out from the changes:

• Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background or views of those contributing to their creation.
• Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.
• A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

Before the meeting occurred, State Superintendent-elect Ryan Walters commented on meeting’s agenda, saying that he was “Glad to see Owasso has finally decided to address pornography in the classroom.”

The entire policy passed can be read here.

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