To the Editor:

I have now heard parents who have genuine concerns about content being offered in our school libraries referred to as homophobic, racist, and book banners. A bit over the top, in my opinion. This is not Fahrenheit 451. We are not asking that books be taken out of the public library or out of citizens’ homes. We are asking that the media in our schools being provided for our children are more thoroughly reviewed and vetted for age-appropriateness and that the Board of Education update the current policies from 1996 for media acquisition to better protect our children from viewing inappropriate content.

It is completely reasonable and expected that parents be concerned about content being offered in our school libraries to children as young as 11 that describes a game in which group masturbation results in the loser drinking other participants’ bodily fluids, references oral sex, and shows cartoons in which children are watching their father’s pornography among other things. It is our duty as parents to make sure that we speak out on behalf of our children and make sure that they are protected. I struggle to see any context in which this content is appropriate for young readers regardless of the intent.

Those who support the content in question are suggesting it is a diversity and inclusion issue. As a mother with a special needs child who struggles daily to fit in and feel included, I completely understand and support materials that all groups can relate to and that may help others to understand and be more accepting. However, I do not accept that this can’t be done without including graphic and explicit content.

This doesn’t have to be a one-way street. I believe there can be age-appropriate content for children that can both adhere to community standards against explicit content as well as share diverse voices and perspectives.

Jennifer Nicoletti

Sandy Hook