Francis Howell school board considers updated book policies

O’FALLON, Mo — There’s more debate over books in the Francis Howell School District. The district’s board of education met Thursday night and was again greeted by protestors who called one of their latest proposals a ‘book ban.’

A representative from Francis Howell School District says that the policy proposals have nothing to do with a book ban. They are about the purchase of instructional media materials and procedures to challenge a learning resource.

The board proposed new procedures for employees and residents to formally challenge materials in school libraries, along with guidelines for library books and greater transparency regarding book purchases and donations. Those in favor of the proposal say it’s about keeping books age-appropriate. Opponents fear it limits different perspectives and disproportionately affects LGBTQ and minority students.

After meeting with the community last week, the board made several changes to its proposal, which critics called ‘a step in the right direction.’ The changes would give teachers and administrators a larger role in the book-approval process.

It also pushed back the final vote, which could happen at next month’s meeting. That’s set for Thursday, August 15th.

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