Hello,

 

I'm happy to report that Gender Queer survived another challenge in RSU40.
The school board had approved it staying in the high school library after a
review process, but a group of citizens pushed for another vote.  I attended
and spoke at the over two-hour hearing last night. Two hundred people were
in attendance with 45 speaking (29 to keep the book, 16 to ban it). After
the hearing, the school board voted again to keep the book.

 

I was very impressed by the decorum of all in attendance. The audience was
quiet and respectful for each and every speaker for the entire lengthy time.
People applauded after each speaker, but there was no obnoxious cheering, as
well as no jeering, heckling, grandstanding, or drama of any kind. A few of
the ban-the-book group brought signs (I saw "Groomer" on one, but not the
rest of the sign), but kept them in their laps. I believe they felt
uncomfortable raising them in this calm atmosphere. It was wonderful to
witness such civility and respect, as well as strong support for the right
to read and for the LGBTQ+ community.

 

Cathrina Skov

Waldoboro Public Library