BUZZ
‘What’s the purpose of a county board of education if it’s going to be overridden by the state?’
Earlier this month, the Maryland State Board of Education voted to overturn the Harford County Board of Education‘s decision to remove the book “Flamer” from district libraries.
According to CBS News.com, the Harford board voted to “ban” the book back in June, which “spark[ed] protests from some community members.”
The State Board had alleged there was “nothing in the record that indicates the local [Harford] board members even read the book beyond some choice passages,” FOX-45 reports.
Nevertheless, this past week Harford board members voted to appeal the state’s decision during a virtual special session.
Board Vice President Lauren Paige said “When the state board overrides a local decision, it sets a dangerous precedent […] it’s about the authority of our local elected board and our responsibilities to the families we serve.”
Board member Mark Korn, an attorney, added “If there ever was a book that should be removed for being not age appropriate, it’s this book.”
Three board members ultimately voted “no” on the appeal: Wade Sewell, Carol Mueller, and student member James McVicker (whose “preferential” vote does not count).
Board Attorney Greg Szoka said he believed “there was a less than 20% chance of success” that Harford’s appeal would be successful. He noted the board could have “ask[ed] the state board for a reconsideration by filing a motion and pointing out discrepancies,” according to the Business Resource Network.
Korn (pictured) said “The job of the [Harford] Board of Education is to reflect the values of the community. What’s the purpose of a county board of education if it’s going to be overridden by the state? Just have the state run it all.”
Board President Aaron Poynton noted the board was in “uncharted territory” on this issue, and said “the state has certain rights to overturn things, but it should be ‘very narrow.’”
While arguably not as pornographic as the equally controversial book “Gender Queer” (ranked #1 on the American Library Association’s “banned” book list), “Flamer” is still sexually explicit and includes profanity.
(In late 2023, a Pennsylvania school board president took her oath of office with several books, “Flamer” being one of them.)
In the audio-only Harford special session, student member McVicker argued the real message of “Flamer” is one of “hope and resilience” as the bullied protagonist overcomes thoughts of suicide. He said it is appropriate for high school students, but not for kids in middle school.
But some parents of even elementary schoolers said they don’t want others “using their political ideations or political thoughts” to determine what can be taught, according to the CBS News report.
Last month, the Harford controversy caught the attention of “Flamer” author Mike Curato, who ended up holding a discussion in the county (sponsored by a local “pride” foundation and American Association of University Women chapter).
Echoing McVicker, Curato said “A lot of people who ban ‘Flamer’ don’t talk about how the book is about suicidal ideation and prevention […] That’s why I made this book, because I know that there are kids out there right now who are going through exactly what I went through.”
Curato said book “bans” like Hardford’s “diminish people’s rights.”
Board Vice President Paige noted, however, “if something is too explicit to be read aloud in the classroom, it shouldn’t be sitting on a library shelf for minors. That’s not censorship, that’s responsibility.”
MORE: You are NOT a ‘book banner’ or ‘anti-drag’ for wanting your kid far away from explicit material
