A ton of action is expected at Wednesday night’s Santa Rosa School Board meeting, not the least of which is part one of two sessions that could see $5.6 million cut from next year’s $88.2 million general fund.
(see Wednesday’s story for what is coming up Wednesday night on the budget front)
But also on the agenda is a move by parent Liz Franzel to get the novel “Tortilla Curtain” by T.C. Boyle off the reading list for high schoolers. Franzel’s daughter is a junior at Montgomery whose class was assigned the book this year.
When I spoke to Franzel about it in November, she called the book “appalling. It’s embarrassing, it’s humiliating.”
“This book is unbelievable,” she said. “It’s not like I want to be a book burner…
It’s just not okay for required reading.”
A review committee made up of a library media teacher, teachers from three of the schools that taught the book, a school administrator and two district office administrators convened last fall to review the book under the district’s guidelines.
The group OK’d continued use of the book with the following guidelines:
“The teacher must appropriately prepare students for the parts of the book that may be considered provocative; Limit the book to juniors and seniors; Should a parent object to the book, board policy is currently in place that allows a student to be excused from the book assignment and provides for an alternate assignment without penalty to the student.”
But Franzel contends the book has no place on a high school reading list.
She’ll make her case Wednesday night.
Christy
It is about time parents take a stand for what is being presented to our children in public schools. The material in this book in particular is appauling and any parent who reads it would agree. Ms. Franzel has brought up a very good point – there are ratings on everything from video games to movies that require parent permission – why in the world would a book like this with explicit “R” rated material even be allowed in schools?
January 27th, 2010 12:40 pm
Robin
To Ms. Franzel, yes this is book burning. This book that you find so shameful and appalling says something about our society, in particular Sonoma County, and the white attitudes toward Hispanics. If you or your student decide the book is not appropriate, then there is obviously an alternative as noted by the Board policy currently in place. If your student is 18, good luck. He or she can decide for themselves.
For Christy – use spell check please. Ratings are applied to media for the protection of younger children, ie 13 and under. For those who are over 16, and live in a world where sex and violence are everywhere to be seen, why not have this book read in a class where it is discussed and evaluated with the guidance of a teacher.
In short, if this book is offensive to you and your family, don’t read it. Have the student read something else.
January 27th, 2010 2:00 pm
Jennifer
I read the book last year. It moved me beyond measure and I was glad to see that high school students were reading it. What is embarassing about it? The treatment of illegals? How illegals treat eachother? The slow mental downfall of those with “good intentions?” I was amazed at how raw it presented our current society and was glad someone did. The end of the book when the main antagonist reaches out to save the main protagonist, despite all the book entails, stuck with me for a long time and I can still see it in my mind. If you read it to the end I don’t see why you would have a problem.
I recommend EVERYONE to read this book.
January 27th, 2010 2:01 pm
janette
Robin-”In short, if this book is offensive to you and your family, don’t read it. Have the student read something else”
it is REQUIRED READING-skip “spell check” and try READING what you comment on
it is not book burning to fight for a book to not be REQUIRED reading
and Jennifer she is not contesting the ideas of illegals treatment, but the GRAPHIC details of RAPE
when I was in high school I wouldn’t have been ready for that either
January 27th, 2010 2:10 pm
terkel
Hmmm. A book about illegals that schools require to read. Must be pro-illegal and anti white. Just a guess.
January 27th, 2010 2:11 pm
gringo g
How about teaching children about the concept that this is a nation of laws and about enforcing and respecting those laws??? And how a nation that does not enforce its laws disintegrates??
Ironic that illegal aliens and anchors aweigh babies of illegals have this as “required” reading. How do you say ‘laughing at you stupid gringos’ in mexikkan?
January 27th, 2010 2:13 pm
doop
It IS a really good book
January 27th, 2010 2:16 pm
jawbreaker
If you don’t like it, then don’t FREAKIN’ read it.
It is kind of a “how to” manual for illegals.
January 27th, 2010 2:17 pm
Heather
As a parent of a Montgomery Junior let me just say there are more R to X rated things going on in the quad at lunch that we should be more concerned about. Maybe you should go police that. If you want to protect your kids then please talk to them about EVERYTHING so that they aren’t shocked by what they hear and see at school. Attending a High School means your child is at school with 18 year old adults as well as kids their own age. If you haven’t talked with your child about R rated situations yet they should not be attending this school. Use the book to open that line of communication. Don’t condemn it and pretend it doesn’t exist just because you don’t want it to.
January 27th, 2010 2:25 pm
Jeney
I don’t expect the schools to teach my children morals and values – that’s my job.
I also don’t expect the schools to harm the morals and values that I’ve spent the last 18 years instilling in them.
Is there really no other way to teach our kids to respect each other than through this book? Somehow, I’ve managed to raise one child (and am in the process of raising the next five) to be compassionate towards others and to learn about and embrace all cultures without ever having to simultaneously reference a man shoving his fingers in an unwilling woman’s vagina. I must be magic!
Sometimes, when we hear about someone saying something negative about literature, it’s our knee-jerk reaction to attack because most of us know how important it is to be a voracious reader and to teach our kids the value of all learning experiences, including expanding our intelligence and understanding through books.
And it really isn’t about THIS BOOK IS BAD. It is about this book being unnecessary to accomplish the results for which they are stating this book is being used.
I am unsure of my grammar there, which is unfortunate in the context of this response.
There are so many wonderful, thought-provoking, beautiful books to be read. This isn’t a This Book Or Nothing situation. And if it was: I’d vote for a juicy discussion, instead.
January 27th, 2010 2:27 pm
Ben
A book should be the least of your worries if you have a teen age daughter. Here’s a hint: Over half the class wont read the book anyway…
Get over it! Let teachers teach!
January 27th, 2010 2:28 pm
Jeney
And just for the record: Any dissent regarding a medium which also happens to explore the subject of racial tensions does not equal ignorance towards racial tensions or an unwillingness to dig in and deal with the issues surrounding culture and race.
I can be opposed to the graphic, graphic language and visuals in this book and not be an ignorant bigot.
January 27th, 2010 2:34 pm
terkel
I wonder how we made it through “Lord of the Flies” without a homosexual scene…
January 27th, 2010 2:41 pm
michael Oconnel
The Modern “Grapes of Wrath” Except that it points out the Political Truth of the Illegal and his Migration (illegally) into the United States.
Why not allow American kids a fair understanding of what is happening and why….
Ceasar Chavez said that Illegal Immigration doesn’t work
Does Hiding the Truth from our Future Leaders work too?
January 27th, 2010 2:48 pm
jenny
have you READ the book? her argument isn’t about the illegals! it’s about the GRAPHIC details of a rape. I was a virgin in high school-I know, crazy huh? so I’m forced to read a book detailing a rape, and not just read but discuss in class. I don’t want to study it as an adult-I’m allowed to decide if I want to rent an R rated movie now-they aren’t.
January 27th, 2010 2:53 pm
clynn
Mrs. Franzel you are a burden on society. There are so many other things you should be worrying about more than if your 17 year old daughter is going to read a possibly Rated R book. There are worse things on TV and in the streets going on. If reading a book or watching TV or a movie can change the Morals and Values that you instilled in your children then YOU as a parent didn’t do a very good job. I realize you are trying to teach your child to stand up for what they feel is right, but who are you really doing this for, them or you? Because from this angle it looks to be all about you and only you. What is reading a book really going to hurt? Maybe you should start worrying about the rise of alcohol/drug abuse, or teenage pregnancy rather than crying a river about a BOOK!
January 27th, 2010 3:04 pm
joseph Donegan
Henry Millers Tropic of Capricorn, now there is a book our kids can sink their teeth into. Barrio Boy might be more appropriate, but that book implies a myth of the migrant worker. Every semester students are raped, usually involving a young coed and a copious amount of alcohol. No one talks about it. Yet when an instructor is assaulted at the local junior college there is this mandatory training on safety for the instructors and nothing for the kids. Their needs to be a dialog, an awareness. We are failing to educate our kids under the cloud of political correctness.
January 27th, 2010 3:05 pm
clynn
FYI- The article states that they can opt to read another book.
January 27th, 2010 3:05 pm
Sam
I agree with Heather’s comments. Teenagers these days probably know more than parents can imagine. We can shield our kids from everything because they will find out sooner or later. Better sooner under the supervision of teachers and parents rather than by peers or people on the streets. I also agree that this book is a great way to start that uncomfortable conversation with your kids, to dabble into political issues, and to look at race relations. Sure you can advise your children and tell them what’s right and wrong, but you can only go so far.
Oh, and Ben’s comment is awesome. So true – your kids will probably read up on it through cliffnotes or something anyway!
January 27th, 2010 3:06 pm
Jeney
Michael:
We should definitely allow (and encourage!) our children to understand what is happening in the world. It’s their world, too. Thankfully, we can do that without ever having to even reference rape.
Many kids (myself included) have had to grow up after having endured physical and/or sexual trauma. I can’t go back in time to know how this book would have effected me if I’d had to read it as a teenager, but there are some risks that we, as parents, don’t have to take.
I am glad that there is a plan in place that would allow a disapproving parent to opt their child out of having to read this book, but to me, it isn’t just about my kids. I was raised to think of myself as part of a community and not as an island. I monitor my kids’ education, etc. very closely, but not all parents can or do.
Why not have every safeguard in place to protect not only our own kids, but the kids of those in our community?
January 27th, 2010 3:06 pm
Gamma
Did any of you even read the article?
“Should a parent object to the book, board policy is currently in place that allows a student to be excused from the book assignment and provides for an alternate assignment without penalty to the student.”
Your kid doesn’t have to read the book if you don’t want them too. They will be assigned a different book. Just don’t be surprised when they go to the library or the bookstore and read it anyway – so much for your “concern”.
January 27th, 2010 3:08 pm
Jeney
–There are worse things on TV and in the streets going on.–
Yes. And we don’t want our kids to watch that, either.
–If reading a book or watching TV or a movie can change the Morals and Values that you instilled in your children then YOU as a parent didn’t do a very good job. –
This *is* part of instilling values in our children: Monitoring what they consume. This *is* the job she is to be doing.
–are you really doing this for, them or you? Because from this angle it looks to be all about you and only you.–
I cry foul. There is no basis for this conclusion. It’s an opinion, which you are free to have.
-What is reading a book really going to hurt?–
Can you honestly not come up with an answer to this? (I don’t mean that question to sound snotty. I apologize if it sounds snippy.)
–Maybe you should start worrying about the rise of alcohol/drug abuse, or teenage pregnancy rather than crying a river about a BOOK!–
You assume she isn’t also worried about these things. On what are you basing this assumption?
Questions for you: What can this book be used to accomplish that another – less graphic – book on the same topic could not? Or that an in-depth, intelligent and honest discussion could not? Can you envision a situation where the same results could be had without also having to subject our children to scenes of rape?
January 27th, 2010 3:16 pm
SupportGamma
Obviously, since they can simply opt out their own kids, they are trying to protect your kids by knowing what is best for them as well.
January 27th, 2010 3:25 pm
Bobby
Haven’t read the book, but have no problem with provacative literature. Perhaps those offended should remember that some of our greatest works of literature, art, and political thought are considered horribly offensive to some folks.
Expand your mind and read something you don’t like.
January 27th, 2010 3:27 pm
IckiTicki
If you don’t like it, don’t read it, this is literature and trying to put a ban on reading it is as bad as burning it.
Another indvidual out there with WAY too much time on their hands!
January 27th, 2010 3:40 pm
sheryl
They have to option to read another book, if this one is offensive to her. But by getting the school to drop it, she is telling all of us what is and isnt appropriate for OUR kids.
January 27th, 2010 3:42 pm
Reesha
As a parent of an MHS student, I support the book!
If you do not feel it is ok for your child, then please opt out and pick a new assignment.
If you are concerned, but feel that your child should read the book, meet with the teacher and find out how he/she is going to prep the students for the explicit material.
Or, as an alternative, I am sure the teacher can provide the page numbers of the explicit material and your student could just skip right over that part!
Please do not chose for me or my student, make your choices for you and your child!
January 27th, 2010 3:43 pm
Lain
I think its a dangerous and slippery slope that will only open the flood gates. They may not be book burning but they sure are editing history and literature. Nothing between two covers of a book can hurt you and this is what bothers me about this argument. Rape, Violence, Racism, sexism, etc. These are issues that we deal with world wide and it should not be ignored even by our soon-to-be adults. If a parent is so concerned why don’t they try discussing the book with their student. Read it together and discuss what they think or what is concerning them. Education does not just happen inside the classroom…
January 27th, 2010 3:44 pm
clynn
Jeney- Really?!?! Is all I can say.
Get a grip on the REAL WORLD you can not protect your children from it. You can teach them and by teaching them you sometimes have to allow them to see or read things that may make you or them uncomfortable. Monitoring what they consume is not “Instilling Values” in them it is shielding them from being able to understand why and the what of life. And yes it is my opinion that she is doing this more for herself then her daughter. And I cant come up with a answer to why reading a book is going to hurt. If they are such good parents then reading a book should not hurt or change the values already instilled in the child.
My answer: You are correct there are probably other books out there less graphic that they could use to start a discussion about these topics, but that brings me back to why shield them from what is really out there? Why pretend this doesn’t happen? This is the REAL WORLD and at 16/17 they better be ready for it like it or not.
We can all sit here and pretend that a person is not raped every 2 minutes but it is still happening.
And everyone keeps saying “Children” and I understand as a parent they are always our “Children” but when it comes down to it we are talking about “Young Adults”.
January 27th, 2010 3:45 pm
Anne
Although a student may “read another book,” the discussions in class are obviously going to be in relation to the subject matter of the book. No matter what book they read, they will be subjected to the graphic material that the student or their parent is fighting against. Does that seem fair? That seems to fly in the face of student rights.
January 27th, 2010 3:47 pm
Patrick
I read this book as required reading as a sophomore. It totally changed my perception on the world and helped direct me towards my major choice, I’m now a Sophomore in college. Without the assignment I never would have found it.
January 27th, 2010 3:49 pm
Katrina
Now I can’t wait to read this book- nothing like some controversy to stimulate interest.
January 27th, 2010 3:56 pm
couplewords
If you want to protect your kids from the ills of the world then you should bar them from ALL outside communication and lock the doors but at some point, when you’re at least 75, you’re going to have to let them go or they will kill you!
January 27th, 2010 4:01 pm
Jeney
Clynn:
Part of what makes a good parent (in my opinion) includes some shielding. I don’t know of any parent who thinks a kid should be exposed to anything and everything. That’s irresponsible and lazy. Of course, you shouldn’t assume that “some shielding” is equal to “never letting them leave the house”.
I also realize you aren’t saying that you think parents should let their kids do whatever they want. What I hope you see is that this isn’t an argument that I am having. Nobody is saying to give kids free reign and nobody is saying to put a bag over their heads.
I know what the real world is. I live in it. You have no idea to what extent I live in it, nor I, you. Let’s both assume that the other knows what the Real World is.
Now, having set aside those as possibilities for argument, the only real issue here – to me – is that there are other ways by which we could be teaching our kids these valuable lessons.
If someone were to offer me two options: Both options were equally as enlightening and provoking, yet only one had a rape scene, I’m just saying I’d choose the one without the rape scene.
And the argument that I shouldn’t get to make the choice for everyone is problematic, at best.
One might point out that I do have the option of having my children opt out (I will, and so for my own kids, this is settled and a non-issue). There. Nobody who doesn’t want to read the book has to read the book.
I would point out that the book exists outside of the boundaries of the school, and any parent who wants their kid to read the book, can visit their local library and check it out for free. There. Everybody who wants their kids to read the book can get the book for their kids.
The difference in the plans is that one has safeguards in place. Kids whose parents aren’t diligent or who are diligent and have just missed this (what parent hasn’t missed stuff?!) won’t accidentally read about rape (not just about it, by the way, but all the lovely details).
And I do teach my kids. I have taught my kids. But *I* want to teach them the hard things because I know them best and know when they are ready. I think that is something that resonates with most parents/people. We just want to do what is best for the people we love.
So there we have it. Nobody is saying the discussions that could result from the book aren’t important and nobody is saying we should enclose our children in a sound-proof closet.
Do you know what else I’m saying? I am saying that I wish there were paragraph breaks in the comment sections.
January 27th, 2010 4:20 pm
michaelj
Does Franzel also live in a gated community? She claims to not be a book burner but that’s what she’s advocating. I read many books in high school outside what was required by writers such as Maugham, Burroughs, Kerouac, Kesey, etc. They opened my mind to a new world. That is what being a young adult is all about… if this “mom” wants to have a closed mind and close her child from the world it’s her choice and her child’s loss.
January 27th, 2010 4:21 pm
Jeney
couplewords: That is funny.
January 27th, 2010 4:21 pm
AntiJeney
‘And the argument that I shouldn’t get to make the choice for everyone is problematic, at best.’
There’s no problem, you don’t, and shouldn’t get to choose for anybody else.
‘But *I* want to teach them the hard things because I know them best and know when they are ready. I think that is something that resonates with most parents/people.”
Except you apparently, who thinks you should get to choose for everyone else., because you are more diligent.
January 27th, 2010 4:29 pm
Jeney
Aw, man. That’s harsh. I even added in that every parent misses it sometimes to avoid sounding like I thought I knew it all. I don’t think I know it all. I need all the help I can get and I think there are a lot of parents who feel like that, too.
And don’t you see? We are both choosing for everyone. Your choice chooses for everyone. My choice chooses for everyone. Both choices allow options to appease “the other side”. I just feel that one option has a little more of a safety net, that’s all.
Your arguments shows me that it resonates with you, too. You want to be able to choose for your own kids (or want others to be able to choose for their kids). We all just want to be able to feel like we’re making the best choices for our kids.
In the long run, this isn’t going to ruin anyone’s family. It’s just an opportunity to voice our opinion. America is great at letting us do this without anyone having to be killed!
January 27th, 2010 4:37 pm
Lisa
Hey I think the Holy Bible should be read in school. That has violence, sex, adultery and all the literature we need!
January 27th, 2010 4:47 pm
Jeney
Lisa: It’s true. If Genesis was a movie, kids couldn’t watch it.
January 27th, 2010 4:50 pm
Charlotte
I wouldn’t want my daughters to read this book. I think explicit scenes of violence and rape can be traumatizing to kids and even to some adults, especially those who have a history of abusive trauma in their lives. So many people seem to be saying that we as parents need to get over it because they’ll see it eventually, but I feel that schools should not be subjecting children to such explicit and abusive stories.
If these scenes of rape and violence are considered “educational,” then why not make Child of God a required reading? Should we expect the schools to be sending our children home with that book any time soon? I think not. I think the only reason people are defending this book is because it (superficially and stereotypically) depicts immigrants from Mexico dealing with racism in California, while Child of God depicts a sick white man. Let me add, this book covers these issues poorly. My guess is, if the book didn’t play on the issue of white privilege and racism, it wouldn’t even be on a *recommended* reading list.
January 27th, 2010 5:03 pm
boohoo
I have not read this book so cannot comment on the content. However I must say that when I was a teenager, and an avid reader, “difficult” books made me think, ponder, wonder, muse. In short reading “controversial” or “disturbing” or “difficult, depressing” books opened up the world to me, in a very safe way, provoking me to learn about things that I would otherwise not be aware of.
I read OF MICE AND MEN
January 27th, 2010 5:20 pm
boohoo
SORRY I did not get to finish my last comment.
I read OF MICE AND MEN in high school and found that disturbing. Being disturbed by what one reads in and of itself is not harmful Not when the subject matter is designed to illuminate something, reveal a truth. Being able to “walk a mile” in someone else’s shoes through the pages of a book is well worth the “difficult” emotions that it may evoke.
I would have let my now grown children read this, without any problem.
January 27th, 2010 5:23 pm
Ray Bradbury
Just like every book banning/burning before this, they try to make the argument about this particular book. THIS book is so horrible, how can you defend THIS book?!?! This is really the question of does the judgment of clearly the minority of parents supersede those of educators, other parents and society at large. A minority of parents who have a viable option to exclude their pure, innocent little angels.
January 27th, 2010 5:24 pm
svo
The PD forums are like much of the Internet today. Complete nincompoops can spout off about anything they want, while they imagine that they are expressing something of great importance. In this instance, we have plenty of pretend pundits who HAVE NOT EVEN READ THE BOOK. Shame on you for thinking you have something to contribute, and shame again for wasting space on this blog.
January 27th, 2010 5:25 pm
boohoo
Sorry svo I guess I should have asked you if I was worthy of leaving a comment before going ahead with expressing a thought of mine.
January 27th, 2010 5:40 pm
Pete
I have not read the book though the summary sounds intrigueing and thought-provoking. Certainly the content of books and material must be suitable to the age-group that is targeted. It would seem that older teens should be ready for adult reading but that is admittedly subjective.
What I do find appalling are the intolerant, ignorant racist remarks that thankfully only a few have posted here.
The country I love is strong enough to have both compassion for illegal imigrants and rule of law.
January 27th, 2010 5:43 pm
Jeney
boohoo: Second commenter to make me laugh today. A gold star for you.
Pete: Intolerant, ignorant and racist – did I miss something?
January 27th, 2010 5:46 pm
Lisa
I am just thankful that we live in a country that allows us to voice our opinion, just wish we could all voice it without being called names such as racist, intolerant or ignorant.
We all have different beliefs and morals, just don’t want the schools or other people to push theirs on me or my family.
I am also thankful that I can opt out my child from things, just like other people can due to religious beliefs such as holidays and events.
Too bad everyone has to get all upset over this and start pointing fingers at who is right and who is wrong. This is the country we live in and we have to all live with each other but it doesn’t mean that we have to like what everyone else likes
January 27th, 2010 6:14 pm
Pia
If we continue to place Taboos on critical social issues in literature, such as rape and cultural differences, then we continue to fail to address, openly and through facilitated dialog, real life instances of rape and the difficulties different cultures experience.
Book banning over sexual dialog has no impact in a world where teenagers have free access to any R or X rated materials, such as your cable television or your bedroom which may have sex toys, videos, or sexually explicit literature. Kids are not sheltered from R or X rated stimulation as much some want to think they are.
Many kids seek and find R and X rated materials and activities, they always have and always will. Americans in the states are incredible prudes.
January 27th, 2010 6:48 pm
surprised
I am a 50 year old woman with no children who randomly picked up the book and read it about a month ago. I still think about it often. Not the rape scene, which I did not think was very graphic, but the countless details depicting the lives of people struggling for food, clothing and shelter within sight of people who take so much abundance for granted. I think it would be great for any of us who are trying to come to terms with our place in this county, in this country, as citizens of this planet.
January 28th, 2010 9:06 am
Anne
Too bad the school board didn’t even read their “Standards for Selection of fiction…”
1-f: Does it avoid stereotyping? “Mexican chicks give killer head.” p. 224
2-i: Does the book offend the sensibilities of women or a minority group by the way it presents either the chief character or any of the minor characters? Same quote (and then some).
2-k: Is there preoccupation with sex, violence, cruelty, brutality, and aberrant behavior that would this book inappropriate for children? For young adults. (Well, I can’t post those quotes here.)
2-l: Is the language in good taste? Pages and pages of profanity.–Students would be punished in normal circumstances for using this language, but to read it prolifically is ok?
2-m-3: Does the story give a broader understanding of human behavior withour stressing differences of class, race, color, sex, education, religion or philosophy in any inimical way? The book is full of racist, sexist commentary.
It looks to me as though the school district didn’t want it to seem like they were being pushed around by a “fanatical” parent. And instead, disregarded the written guidelines guiding their selection.
January 28th, 2010 11:23 am
don beisecker
As a 78 year old with five children, 10 grandchildrren and one greatgrand child, I cannot understand what the filthy language and scenes in this book contribute to anyone’s education. However, I’m not an elitist or an intellectual like so many people in this area.
January 28th, 2010 6:06 pm
JD Salinger
Anne, I don’t think *you* understand the district’s “Standards for Selection of fiction…” since you’re off the mark.
1f. it’s called satire. Look it up.
2i. See above.
2k. For *young adults.* Yeah, they never think about any of those things. And 16 year olds are too naive and innocent to hear the “f” word.
2l. Well, then we’d have to get rid of lots of other books, which is what your group advocated, right?
2m. Racist? Sexist? Did you just cull the dirty parts? An example of racism is all the stupid posts here about illegals and anchor babies. Racism that Jeney somehow missed, though she too thought the book was racist. Selective, doncha think?
Yeah, I think the district is there to think about the majority of our kids and not just yours that need to be handled with kid gloves.
January 28th, 2010 11:08 pm
JD Salinger
Jeney,
I’m sorry you experienced sexual abuse, but that doesn’t mean it is a verboten subject for everyone else.
Other books with rape: “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Speak,” “Go Ask Alice.” Get them all off the shelves so you won’t be traumatized or a kid *might* be traumatized? Get all books with bad words off the selves so as not to offend you and your children?
I watched last night and the board was right on. You are the minority and it is not up to you to dictate to me what my kids can or can’t read in public school.
“Intolerant, ignorant and racist – did I miss something?” Yeah, Jeney. l The posts calling Mexicans illegal and referring to Mexican kids as anchor babies. Or are these *real* examples of racism ok with you, just the fictional stuff you can’t stand?
January 28th, 2010 11:15 pm
What The Tortilla Curtain taught me – Wine Country Mom - Santa Rosa Mom - Santa Rosa, CA - Archive
[...] required reading list. In case you did miss it, be sure to read up on Kerry Benefield’s blog: Parent seeks to remove book from school reading list, and Parent not convinced tortilla curtain belongs in class. Note the amount of comments left on [...]
January 29th, 2010 3:33 pm
robert barta
What’s “appauling” Christy,is your atrocious spelling.Spell-check anyone?”Catcher in the rye” to this day,60 years on,still sells 250,000 copies a year.When it was published I’m sure there were those who were just as “appauled” as you about content,And we all survived….
January 31st, 2010 2:59 pm
“The Tortilla Curtain” author coming to local book store – Extra Credit - The Press Democrat - Santa Rosa, CA - Archive
[...] http://extracredit.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/11730/parent-seeks-to-remove-book-from-school-reading-lis... [...]
February 18th, 2010 7:03 am