Ban Sexually Explicit Books In Great Valley SD, Mom Asks In Lawsuit

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A federal judge denied a request from a Great Valley School District parent to issue an injunction to remove ‘“sexually explicit” books from the libraries.

U.S. District Judge Nitza I. Quinones, in a three-page order, concluded that Fenicia Redman, a mother of a 16-year-old, did not present evidence that the case will prevail.

Redman, representing herself, filed a federal lawsuit accusing the district of refusing to remove sexually explicit books and violating her First Amendment right by removing her from a school board meeting.

Redman named 22 defendants in the suit including Gov. Tom Wolf, Attorney General Josh Shapiro, Dr. Daniel F. Goffredo, superintendent, school officials, school board members and East Whiteland Township police.
Redman requested:

• Removing the books called Tantric Sex, Gender Queer, Fun Home, PUSH, and All Boys Aren't Blue from the library.
• An independent audit of the library system.
• Investigate the organized transmission of obscene materials in public school.

The defendants have until Sept. 19 to respond.

Stephen R. Kovatis, senior deputy attorney general and Karen Romano , chief deputy attorney general, are representing Gov. Tom Wolf and Attorney General Josh Shapiro.

"The Office of Attorney General has no standing in a school board matter of this nature and this lawsuit includes no allegations directly levied at the Attorney General, that being said we are aware of the lawsuit and our office plans to represent the Attorney General," Jacklin Rhoads said in a prepared statement.

Brian R. Elias, a Blue Bell attorney representing the school board, said the district is not commenting on the ongoing litigation.

According to the suit:

• Redman said that the five books are obscene and displayed several dozen pages of the books as part of the lawsuit.
• One book, PUSH, she said is a graphic book about a child rape.
• “I oppose the graphic insertion of obscene graphic sexual content in stories that otherwise could help my minor child develop compassion for his peers," Redman wrote.
• Redman provided a report to East Whiteland Township police that she had photographs taken of pages in the books and a large display board.
• She asked police to show the District Attorney Deb Ryan’s staff the boards as new evidence. Two parents accompanied Redman to the meeting with the police, also expressing concern about the content in the books.
• Police contacted the district attorney’s office about the boards and were later advised that the content in the books did not meet the threshold of criminal activity.
• Redman also contacted, Gov. Wolf’s office, Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s office, school officials and the school board.