The Virginia Beach School Board voted Tuesday night to create a committee to determine how to deal with library materials considered to contain “sexually explicit content.” The policy change aims to keep such content from elementary school libraries and create a list of content for secondary schools.
The policy passed 6-4 with board chair Kimberly Melnyk and members Beverly Anderson, Jessica Owens and Trenace Riggs voting no.
Several community members left following the vote, some shouting about lawsuits that could come the division’s way. Supporters of the change say it confirms parental rights.
At the Feb. 13 meeting, board member David Culpepper introduced the amendment of the division’s library media center policy, which directs the superintendent to create a committee that will “develop procedures” to address “sexually explicit” materials in libraries. Staff and administration have said there is no sexually explicit content in elementary school libraries. The committee also will have to iron out procedures to determine what incoming materials for middle and high schools will go on a public list of “sexually explicit” content.
Tuesday’s debate echoed what was said last year when board member Victoria Manning wanted similar oversight — with a deadline and without the content committee. Opponents then said it was “book banning,” though Culpepper said schools already “carefully choose what books occupy limited space in our libraries.”
“(These books) should not chase the latest fad, appeal to unwholesome interests or desires, surely not undermine the moral and religious beliefs of their families,” Culpepper said Tuesday night.
Several library media specialists spoke, questioning how the committee would operate and raising concerns about the amount of work it would take to review incoming materials at the secondary level, which can be in the hundreds. Culpepper said if staff was unable to handle the volume then parents would not be able to determine what books their children can access.
There are processes in place to restrict children’s access to specific titles. Library media specialists also have rules when selecting materials, which “involves input from many people” and requires favorable reviews.
Anderson said the policy was an insult to library media specialists and said the committee would result in extra work for the staff. She criticized the policy and called it “book banning.” In a heated remark, she urged other board members to vote against the change.
“I’m not going to ban books,” Anderson said. “I’m not a Nazi, and I hope that none of you are as well.”
Superintendent Donald Robertson said he was “prepared to meet any challenge,” and believes he can implement the policy by June. The policy did not lay out a timeline, which Culpepper said was to allow some flexibility.
Board attorney Kamala Lannetti said she cannot say whether there could be lawsuits in response to books being labeled “sexually explicit.” She said she would want to ensure there will be a process that “will help protect our staff from attacks,” and help them “make the decisions that will be defensible.”
Kelsey Kendall, kelsey.kendall@virginiamedia.com
