My Maine Librarians,
I need help.
I was just sent this proposed change to my selection policy from my school
board. My thoughts are all over the place and I thought that you all would
love to help me get my ducks in a row.
What is your advice for 1. stopping such a proposal, 2. dealing with the
fallout if such a change does happen?
Thank you!

Avoiding Inappropriate Material
The Board recognizes there exists a vast array of materials with rich
educational content. It
is the district's objective to choose material that provides such rich
educational content
appropriate to students in the district over material that may provide
similar content but
with elements that are inappropriate or unnecessary for minors in a school
setting.
Sexualized content that falls short of material prohibited by criminal laws
is nonetheless
generally inappropriate and/or unnecessary for minors in school.
Parents/Guardians have a
wide range of options outside of the district's library system to introduce
their child to
sexualized content they deem appropriate for their child's age. As such,
the district will
prioritize inclusion of quality materials suitable
for educational goals and worthwhile for the limited amount of time
available to students
that do not contain sexualized content.
Elementary School Libraries
No materials in elementary libraries shall contain:
• visual or visually implied depictions of sexual acts or simulations of
such
acts,
• explicit or implied written descriptions of sexual acts, or
• visual depictions of nudity or implied nudity.
Middle School Libraries
No materials in middle school libraries shall contain:
• visual or visually implied depictions of sexual acts or simulations of
such
acts,
• explicit written descriptions of sexual acts, or
• visual depictions of nudity-not including materials with diagrams about
anatomy for science, or content relating to classical works of art.
In selecting library materials for middle school students, the selectors
shall seek to
prioritize the selection of materials that do not contain other sexualized
content,
such as implied written descriptions of sexual acts or implied nudity.

High School Libraries
No materials in high school libraries shall contain:
• visual or visually implied depictions of sexual acts or simulations of
such
acts, or
• explicit written descriptions of sexual acts.
In selecting library materials for high school students, the selectors
shall seek to
prioritize the selection of materials that do not contain other sexualized
content,
such as implied written descriptions of sexual acts or visual depictions of
nudity.

-- 
Kelley Fraser, MLIS, MEd
284 Walkers Mills Road
Bethel, ME 04217
(207)824-2136
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(pronouns: she, her, hers)

"Be kind whenever possible. It's always possible." The Dalai Lama