Why Are Books Being Removed From Yorktown High School Library?
Dear Dr. Hattar and Board of Education members,
I am a 26-year resident of Yorktown. My son attended Yorktown schools from kindergarten through high school. I was extremely distressed to hear about books being challenged, and removed, from our high school library right here in Yorktown. Even without having seen a full list of the books in question, I know that I adamantly do not want any of them removed from the library shelves.
While someone may not want their children to read a particular book, that does not give them the right to prevent all students from having access to it. We know that books about gender issues and by people of color are being targeted. As I’m sure you’re aware, books about LGBTQ+ experiences, in particular, can quite literally save lives. Books from a Black perspective, especially from a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, are essential to the ESTEAM initiative that we are rightly so proud of.
I have read sections 1420 and 1420-R of the policy handbook. I hope that the books in question will remain available to students while a determination is being made. I also respectfully request that this process be made transparent to the community. People such as myself, a district taxpayer and the parent of an alumnus, deserve clear and frequent communication. Shining a light on the process can be an important tool for us to support the district.
My asks are that the district start with making public the list of books being challenged. Next, please communicate the process and expected timeline to the community. Most importantly, please make sure that these books are NOT removed from the library during the review process. It would be a rare book indeed that wouldn’t be available to the review committee elsewhere.
With what is going on in our country right now, I am also concerned about the reputation of our fine school district. Do we want to be known for removing “objectionable” books from school libraries? Or do we want to be known as a community that welcomes and supports all students? I believe that you will find that the great majority of our neighbors support our educational professionals and have faith in their expertise.
Judyth Stavans
Yorktown Heights
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