'It's not fair or transparent:' Parents split over Bedford Co. book policy
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — Parents in Bedford County are divided over the new policy for challenging books in the school library.
"The process itself is not fair or transparent," parent Leslie Loucks said.
That's how she described the new five-step policy.
Here's how it works: Parents can go to the librarian with a complaint about a book. The library media specialist or school principal will look over it and could decide to pull the book.
"At step one, if a librarian agrees, there's no notice to other parents that these materials are being restricted from their children's access. Those parents are not given any opportunity to offer input," Loucks said.
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Loucks believes this is unfair.
"We do not get an appeal if those materials are removed. To be able to have materials restricted from a parent's children without their input or knowledge does not allow for that transparency," Loucks said.
However, Amy Snead, Bedford county parent with Moms for Liberty, praised this policy.
"This is a good policy. It allows for librarians to be on the front lines of their jobs," Snead said.
Snead said she's not worried if a book is pulled from the shelves without her knowledge.
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"It doesn't necessarily concern me. I think, again, we're putting that back to the librarians to make those decisions and trusting the process with that," Snead said.
Others in the community also commented on this policy:
“As a parent of a child in Bedford County public schools, I am dismayed at the attempt to politicize libraries and the service they provide our students. Librarians, as public servants, are professionals and they deserve our respect as they select timely, meaningful, and engaging books for our young people to read and discuss. I would encourage all Bedford County parents to resist partisan attempts to restrict reading choices in our schools," said Aaron Reid.
"I believe this library materials challenge process violates VA Code 1-240.1. When one parent’s challenge results in the removal of materials for all children, this violates my parental rights, not to mention my students’ first amendment rights to access materials in the library collection. Additionally, Step One of the challenge permits the removal from circulation for everyone, without any notification, with serious implications for exploitation of the policy by partisan groups in the community. Certain community groups involved in acts against LGBTQ+ in our community are looking to ban books from marginalized voices. (See photo) I believe inclusive materials may be taught and exist as part of library collections age appropriately. It is vital exploitation of Step One KLB-R must not lead to violations of civil liberties and harm to our LGBTQ+ students and families. Our BCPS families require respect for everyone’s rights, and KLB-R Step One currently lacks transparency, presents potential for exploitation, and lacks respect for all viewpoints," another anonymous parent said.
I asked the school system if this policy could be changed. Ryan Edwards, a spokesperson for Bedford County schools, sent the following statement:
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"Regulations are subject to revision by the superintendent. However, all policies and certain regulations, including KLB-R, are first presented by the superintendent to the Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) Committee, a standing committee of the School Board, and subsequently to the entire School Board for consideration. The final authority for adoption rests solely with the School Board."
