Brooklyn Public Library president suggests book bans are like 'death knell for democracy'
CBS News' Martha Teichner sat down with public library leaders as well as the co-founders of Moms for Liberty during a segment on book bans across the U.S.
The book "Call me Max," which teaches children about what it means to be "transgender," is reportedly available to kindergarten students in a Minnesota school district.
The education franchise for Sinclair Broadcast Group, Crisis in the Classroom (CITC), shared a video of a mother testifying at a school board meeting over the book, which she said was an assault on the "sacred God-given identity of young males and young females," according to 13 WHAM ABC.
"First graders are busy enough trying to master phonics and trying to learn how to read, why would we allow authority figures to plant seeds of doubt in their existence simply as a boy or a girl, that it might be a mistake?" mother LaDawn Severin asked the board.
The book "Call me Max," which teaches children about what it means to be "transgender," is available to kindergarten students in a Minnesota school district, according to 13 WHAM ABC. (YouTube/Fox News Digital)
"And we wonder why there’s a mental health crisis," she added. "Wise teachers, even if they were given this, would never read this to their classroom."
A spokesperson for Osseo Area Schools in Minnesota told CITC that the book is "included in kindergarten classrooms as an option during independent reading time."
"All our district's kindergarten teachers reviewed and selected books that they felt best represented their students," spokesperson Kay Villella told CITC. "These books then went into each kindergarten classroom across the district."
Villella also said in a statement that "Call Me Max" is not used for instructional purposes for students.
The main character in the book "Call Me Max" deciding which bathroom to use. (YouTube Video)
The book "Call Me Max" is narrated by Max, who "lets his teacher know that he wants to be called by a boy’s name."
Max also struggles with what bathroom to use at school.
"When I went to the store with my dad, I went to the bathroom with him. When I went to the store with my mom, I went to the bathroom with her. But at school, I had to pick which bathroom to use," the book reads.
NH LAWMAKER RIPS PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATION: 'LET THE TEACHERS TEACH, AND SHUT UP'
The book has also caused controversy in California after the state’s Department of Education recommended the book for students anywhere between kindergarten to 2nd grade. (Fox News Digital )
The book has also caused controversy in California after the state’s Department of Education recommended the book for students anywhere between kindergarten to 2nd grade. It has been banned in school districts across the country, including in Florida and Texas, according to 13 WHAM ABC.
The Ossea Area Schools district did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News’ Kelsey Koberg contributed to this report.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.