Parents Ask Tredyffrin/Easttown Board To Remove Books

TREDYFFRIN/EASTTOWN, PA — More than a dozen parents asked the Tredyffrin/Easttown school board on Tuesday night to remove books that promote hate toward religion and nationalities from the school libraries.

The parents expressed concern about books targeting religious beliefs of Muslims, Jewish and Christian religions , and other topics that are not suitable for students.

Specifically mentioned was, “This Book Is Gay,” a nonfiction book about aspects about young people coming out as gay. It was published in 2014 and updated in 2015.

Parents suggested that the book be taken off the shelves of libraries, noting that the book contains a chapter on how to argue with Muslims and Christians, which is against religious beliefs and promotes hate.

The parents questioned who decides which books are in the school libraries.

Roberta Hotinski, board president, said the school librarians are reviewing books and determining if they should be banned.

"As a board, we are concerned about everyone in the community,” she said. “We take your concerns very seriously.”

Parents said they felt their children were being discriminated against when a book expressed hatred for religious groups.

Dr. Richard Gusick, the superintendent, said the principals at each school will be informed of the parents' concerns.

Requests to remove books at public schools have surged in 2022, according to the American Library Association.

In 2022, the association received 1,050 requests, a 70 percent increase over 2021. The list of books has been circulating to parents across the nation.