Dearborn, Michigan school board meeting on books erupts, ends without parent comment
A Dearborn, Michigan school board meeting ended abruptly without comment from parents after outcries from the crowd and after fire marshal said the gathering broke the fire code Monday. (Dearborn Public Schools)
A crowd of vocal parents were scolded during a Dearborn, Michigan school board meeting Monday night after they took issue with how the district decides if a book is appropriate for their children’s eyes.
"We understand that people have differing opinions," board president Roxanne McDonald told some boisterous parents while she hit her gavel to silence the crowd. "We will conduct ourselves as adults. We will not boo, we will not jeer. You can clap if you’d like, and you’ll listen to the speaker."
Her comments came after a group of parents erupted into boos after board member Adel Mozip agreed that some books in the district’s library may have "fallen through the cracks" when it comes to accessing their age appropriate levels.
Dearborn, Michigan school board member Roxanne McDonald presides over a meeting Monday, Oct. 10, 2022. (Dearborn Public Schools)
Mozip said efforts to prohibit sexually explicit and violent books from school libraries was "not book banning" and in line with the schools’ practices for decades.
He went on to say that some parents have taken their responses too far.
"Our librarians and educators have been attacked by some members of the public and labeled as sexual predators and groomers – this is insulting and disrespectful and liable," he said to cheers from the crowd. "This is a serious accusation and undermines our educators and librarians.
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"Parents have a choice, and they have a voice and this administration have given you that voice," he added.
Some in the crowd responded by booing loudly.
"That is not necessary," chided McDonald.
Another board official spoke out and said, "I just want to remind everyone that there are young children here watching your behavior. Please be courteous and respectful of each other."
A Dearborn, Michigan school board meeting ended after the fire marshal said the gathering broke the fire code, Monday, Oct. 10, 2022. (Dearborn Public Schools)
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The board meeting was broken up after parents could not be convinced to control their behavior, reported local outlet, Detroit News. A man stood up and claimed that the gathering violated the fire code.
"This is a dangerous situation," McDonald claimed before she declared the meeting in recess.
The meeting was postponed to Thursday after Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin announced a new meeting location that could accommodate the large crowd.
"We can have a spirited debate, but we can’t conduct ourselves this way," the chief reportedly said.
Parents became angry after they felt their voices were not being heard.
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Dearborn parents have taken issue over the district’s policy to formalize the review process of library books.
Some believe the process is a slippery slope to book banning while others believe the board is too lenient on allowing books relating to LGBTQ-related issues, reported the local outlet.
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