Controversial DHS Library Books May be in Violation of District Policy

If accessed in ebook form on the Darien Public Schools WIFI network or school owned computers, many controversial books found in hard copy in the Darien High School library may be in direct violation of the District's own internet policy.

DPS's Policy Regarding Student Use of the District's Computer Systems and Internet Safety (Series 5000-Student Policy 5300) definitions for "harmful to minors" and "prohibited sexual act" both presumably apply to the sexually explicit content in books including Gender Queer, Blankets, Flamer, and several others. 

For example, Gender Queer depicts oral sex with a strap on prosthetic penis as well as a discussion between two siblings -- along with imagery -- of tasting "vagina slime." Would this type of content, if accessed in electronic form on the DPS network, be in violation of the policy? We believe the Superintendent, Dr. Alan Addley, should clarify.

Interestingly, "cartoon" is crossed out in the "child pornography" section of the PDF document on page four. Was that edit made as a potential loophole for these controversial graphic novels? The policy was last revised in November of 2020.

Concerned about this inappropriate and sexually explicit material in Darien Schools? Let the Board of Education know by using our sample email template.

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