26-04-2025
Penfield school decides to keep controversial books on library shelf
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A book committee appointed by the Penfield Central School District has made its decision to keep three library books that received objection from parents.
'The Rainbow Parade,' 'Aliens and Other Visitors,' and 'The Bluest Eye' will stay on the library shelves after the review committee 'determined these books should remain in circulation at our school libraries.'
In February, parents in Penfield raised concerns to the Penfield school board after allegations a kindergartener came home with 'The Rainbow Parade,' which is said to have illustrations of men and women at a pride parade wearing limited or no clothing.
During the meeting a school board official stated these librarians follow strict curriculum that shows them what is allowed for specific ages and students. The district also outlined its policy for expressing concerns about reading material and claimed no written complaints were submitted.
The district later said after that board meeting, it received multiple 'threatening and vulgar' messages, leading to the cancellation of multiple meetings due to the threats. The meetings resumed in April with security.
'We understand that some families will be happy with this decision, and others may bedisappointed,' Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Leslie Maloney said. 'For those who are dissatisfied with this decision, we want to emphasize that these books are not part of the curriculum, and parents have the right to flag their child's account to prevent them from taking specific books out of the library.'
The district released re-evaluation reports for each title, which can be viewed below:
re-evaluation_report_for_the_rainbow_parade_1Download
re-evaluation_report_for_alien_1Download
re-evaluation_report_for_the_bluest_eye_1Download
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