Well done!

On 10/21/2022 1:16 PM, Cathrina Skov wrote:
> 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
>
>   

-- 
Melissa L. Olson
Director, Alice L. Pendleton Library
Islesboro, Maine 04848
207-734-2218