Latest news with #MikeCurato
CBS News
4 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Harford County school's decision to ban book has parents, teachers voicing concerns
Harford County parents and teachers spoke out against the school board's decision to ban an award-winning illustrated novel from its libraries. The book, "Flamer," by Mike Curato, was previously approved by district committees. However, parents said the school board voted to ban the book during a closed-door session in late June, after public appeals. The controversial novel is about a teenage boy who, as he "navigates friendships, deals with bullies, and spends time with Elias (a boy he can't stop thinking about), he finds himself on a path of self-discovery and acceptance," according to the author. On Monday, dozens of people stood in front of the school board to show either support or displeasure with the book ban. "This was the first formal appeal under the newly finalized book review procedure—a process nearly two years in the making, developed with input from staff, Board members, and members of the public," School Board President Aaron Poynton said in a statement. "The decision we made will likely set a precedent for future challenges, and we recognize the importance of clarity." Members of the advocacy group "Together We Will" led a protest before the Harford County School Board meeting on Monday. In a statement, the group said the decision and process to ban the book "threatens student rights." "In the school system, parents can opt out of any book that they want for their child. There is already plenty of support or protection for any parent who doesn't want their child to read a book," added Delane Lewis, president of "Together We Will." "What we have is the Board of Education stepping in front of parents and telling them what they should or shouldn't have their children read." Some parents at Monday's school board meeting feel the banned book, "Flamer," is not appropriate for children. "It's sexually explicit, and it has tons of vulgar language in it," said Suzie Scott, from the group Moms for Liberty. "It's just not the kind of thing that is appropriate for your average middle school or high school student." Harford County Board of Education President Aaron Poynton defended the board's decision to ban Flamer from the schools in the district, saying the book is filled with "pervasively vulgar language." If I were to read excerpts aloud during a Board meeting, I would be fined by the FCC," Poynton said. "This language is not suitable for younger children in schools." Poynton continued to argue that the book would receive an "R" rating if it were in the movie theaters, and it is not appropriate for designated grade levels of high school and middle school. "The Board ultimately voted to remove the book, citing clear violations of HCPS's selection procedure, which prohibits materials with obscene language, sexually explicit content, or depictions of illegal or violent acts inappropriate for the age group served," Poynton said. "This was not about censorship. It was about age-appropriate access and upholding our duty of care. While the Board supports intellectual freedom, we also acknowledge our professional responsibility to safeguard student well-being and respect parents' rights."
Boston Globe
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Free events this week: romance readings, artistic insights; plus a Seaport cinema bargain
KABLAM! The Boston Figurative Art Center's mission is to uplift the creative community by bringing artists together — including comic artists. This Monday, the comic authors Mike Curato of 'Flamer' and 'Little Elliot' series fame, and K. Wroten, whose client list is as illustrious as their work, will visit the center to discuss their literary and artistic work, including Curato's first adult novel, that debuted last month. Boston Figurative Center, 285 Washington St., Somerville. SHHH, JUST READ Sometimes all we want is just a little peace and quiet, but it's summer in the city and it's hard to escape the noise. Porter Square Books Cambridge Edition is taking a page from your local library by hosting a silent reading party. Bring your current read (or shop for a new one) to the ' shhh '-worthy spot for a lazy, low-stimulus late-afternoon reading hour. The only noise will come from the turning of pages, and the occasional shush if someone tries to strike up conversation, or — goddess forbid — click their pen repeatedly. Following reading time, an optional discussion about your latest read will take place. July 8, 4-5:30 p.m. Porter Square Books, 1815 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. Advertisement Campbell-Lynn McLean's "The Hissing Lawn," oil on canvas. The Boston artist's first solo exhibition will open July 11 at LaiSun Keane Gallery. Campbell-Lynn McLean Advertisement PICTURES OF SUMMER LaiSun Keane Gallery is bringing the South End art community together to celebrate one of its own with an opening reception for Boston artist Campbell-Lynn McLean's first solo exhibition, 'On Hissing Summer Lawns.' According to the artist statement, the painting collection is 'a love letter to abundance, consumption and good weather,' focusing on themes of queerness, community, and connection. July 11, 6-8 p.m. 460C Harrison Ave. C8A. DISCOVERING NATURE Whether it's by kicking around a soccer ball or collecting roly-polies, summer break gives young ones the freedom to explore the great outdoors. Discovery Museum's Nature Play Festival will feature activities such as Invasive Plant Papermaking, Mud Kitchen, Bug Hunts, Log and Rock Flipping, as well as indoor galleries exploring the properties of nature — being water, air, light — to help children connect to the world around them. July 11, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Discovery Museum, 177 Main St. (Route 27), Acton. Families can explore the outdoors during Discovery Museum's Nature Play Festival. Jessica Cronin Photography BOOKWORM BASH Romance readers can join Lovestruck Books and July 12, 2-5 p.m. Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton St. VIVE LA FRANCE France's national holiday marks the storming of the Bastille in Paris during the French Revolution. It technically falls on July 14 — but here in Boston, Francophiles can get a head start with a Sunday soirée at the Charles Hotel. Attendees can expect displays of French traditions, including French accordion music and a 110-year-old waiters race, which requires exceptional balancing skills and speed. Before saying 'bonne nuit,' celebrants can stick around for some dancing and mingling as a DJ spins some more modern tunes. July 13, 4-8 p.m. The Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St., Cambridge. Advertisement Deals & steals MOVING PICTURES Even with matinée prices, going to the movies comes with quite the price tag. While the words bargain and the Seaport may seem like an oxymoron, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has a deal that may suspend your belief: $7 tickets, even for new releases, every Tuesday. Tuesdays, 4-11 p.m. Alamo Drafthouse, 60 Seaport Blvd. Send info on free events and special offers at least 10 days in advance to . Marianna Orozco can be reached at
