In response to a Citizen’s Challenge of Educational Media complaint against the book “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe, an MSAD 51 review committee has recommended that the book remain in the district’s school libraries.
The complaint against “Gender Queer,” submitted Sept. 28 by Cumberland parent Scott Jordan, stated that the book is not age appropriate for high school students and the book should be removed from the Greely High School Library.
A committee comprised of a MSAD 51 administrator, a library and media specialist, a community member, a classroom teacher, and a curriculum leader met on Oct. 25 to discuss the complaint.
In a Tuesday letter to MSAD 51 Superintendent Jeff Porter obtained by the Maine Wire, Director of Academic Services for the district Susie Robbins described how the committee arrived at their recommendation to keep “Gender Queer” in the high school library.
“Committee members read the book in its entirety, read a wide range of reviews, and reviewed the material in light of MSAD#51’s educational mission and vision,” Robbins wrote in the letter.
According to the committee, the book — which contains graphic depictions of sex acts between minors, including a scene of oral sex performed on a strap-on dildo — fulfills certain criteria by which educational materials are selected for the district’s libraries.
The committee explains that the book “describe values that set a standard for student behaviors and attitudes needed to be successful in the world today.”
When describing how “Gender Queer” supports the “goals and objectives of the school unit’s educational programs,” the committee wrote “this book includes topics such as gendered social cues and acceptance for differences that helps our students prepare for a world with increasing differences.”
Responding to the complaint’s assertion that the book is not age appropriate for high school students, the committee wrote that “The School Library Journal says the book is appropriate for grades 9 and up,” and referenced a Washington Post interview in which the author of the book says “Gender Queer” was “originally written for my parents and then for older teens who were already asking these questions about themselves.”
The committee did not cite the very next sentence of the quote from Kobabe’s interview, in which the author stated “I don’t recommend this book for kids!”
At a Cumberland Town Council meeting in September, Scott Jordan, the parent who submitted the challenge to “Gender Queer,” brought blown-up pictures from the book to present to the Council.
Jordan was accosted by one of the Councilors, who yelled at Jordan to put the images down because they were too “inappropriate” for the public Town Council meeting.
“Gender Queer” is described by the committee as “approachable,” and a “well crafted book with strong voice and good storytelling.”
“We feel that the book speaks to many current issues faced by our high school students – sexuality, relationships, and self awareness,” the committee wrote. “It helps our students understand that there are many different ways to be okay.”
Part of the committee’s recommendation was based off the fact that the author, Maia Kobabe, “represents a diverse group” by identifying as “non-binary and asexual.”
Additional information considered by the committee in forming their recommendation included the book having received various awards, reviews of the book in professional journals, and recommendations from district employees, parents, and students.
The decision of the committee to recommend keeping the book in the high school library was unanimous.
Jordan told the Maine Wire that he is intending on appealing the committee’s decision.