IE School Board Removes Book, Places Restrictions On Another: Report

An Inland Empire school board voted Tuesday night, Dec. 9, to remove one frequently challenged book from high school libraries and to place new age restrictions on another, The Press-Enterprise reported.

According to the outlet, board members in the city of Redlands opted to pull “Push” by Sapphire from library shelves, while “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison will remain available only to students 18 and older who have parental consent to check it out.

Both novels had come under review due to concerns over sexual content, The Press-Enterprise reported. The decision to remove “Push” passed on a 3-2 vote, with board President Michele Rendler and trustees Jeanette Wilson and Candy Olson supporting the removal. Patty Holohan and Melissa Ayala-Quintero opposed it.

Some speakers who approached the dais on Tuesday defended the books.

“They are raw and powerful narratives about trauma,” parent Katherine Appleby told the board, adding that the books don't glorify assault, they implore students to understand it.

But Lawrence Hebron, a former Redlands school board candidate, said the books described: “the dirtiest things in the dirtiest language.”

“Should these matters be addressed and discussed?” Hebron asked. “Of course, but not by children.”

Read more in The Press-Enterprise: Redlands school board removes challenged book, keeps another with restrictions