Nearly 90 library books will carry content warning labels in Collier County schools

Reporter: Rachel Cox-Rosen Writer: Matthew Seaver
Published: Updated:
books
Library books. Credit: WINK News

Collier County Public Schools have placed a label on 88 books warning that some in the community deem them “Unsuitable for students.” Many of the books center on LGBTQ issues.

This notice that has been placed on the books reads:

This Advisory Notice shall serve to inform you that this book has been identified by some community members as unsuitable for students. This book will also be identified in the Destiny system with the same notation. The decision as to whether this book is suitable or unsuitable shall be the decision of the parent(s) who has the right to oversee his/her child’s education consistent with state law.

Notice that will appear on select books in Collier County schools. (Credit: WINK News)

It sits on Maya Angelou’s autobiography on racism and trauma in “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” and on the story of a transgender child “I am jazz.”

“I feel like this is a little bit like the scarlet letter, like why are we ostracizing kids that are different from what a group of parents think should be the norm,” said Collier County parent Laura Vieth.

The issue hits close to home for Vieth. “My kid is experiencing some of the things that these parents want to not have mentioned or brought up in school, and I’m a mama bear, and I want to fight for my kid.”

Ashleigh Marlin also thinks the labels are harmful. “It will cause hate, it will cause it’s fear-mongering, and it’s hate,” said Marlin.

Collier County mother Sammi Treglown knows what it’s like to open a book with unexpected themes like ones about the LGBTQ community.

“I was blindsided if you will, because I wasn’t expecting it. And so we had to have that quick conversation to even continue the book. So having the sticker would be helpful,” said Treglown.

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