Somerset County School Board Proposes Age Restriction on Young-Adult Literature

The Somerset County school board is deliberating a controversial policy that would restrict students under 18 from accessing young-adult literature in school libraries. This proposal effectively limits the availability of such books to seniors in high school.

Under the draft policy, the superintendent would be responsible for enforcing disciplinary measures against librarians who allow 'adult' reading materials in the children's section. The board's definition of young adults includes only those aged 18 and older, which contradicts the more widely accepted definition in the publishing industry that targets readers aged 12 to 18.

Jacob Gerding, president of the Maryland Association of School Librarians, expressed concern that the policy could prevent students from accessing significant literary works such as 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky and 'The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank. He criticized the board for potentially hindering the educational growth of students by limiting their reading options.

This move follows a pattern of attempts by the board, which has been characterized as conservative, to impose specific ideological views on the rural school system, which serves fewer than 3,000 students. Last year, the board sought to eliminate school librarians but reversed its decision after receiving funding from county commissioners.

The proposal, introduced in late June, cites a definition of young adults from the National Academies, which includes individuals aged 18 to 26. However, Gerding argues that this definition is misaligned with the established norms in young-adult literature.

Critics of the policy, including sharlimar douglass from the Maryland Alliance for Racial Equity in Education, assert that it contradicts the Maryland Freedom to Read Act, which was enacted to protect students' access to literature regardless of political beliefs. The act mandates that any book removal from school libraries undergo a review process by a local committee.

Sean Johnson, president of the Maryland State Education Association, labeled the proposed policy as likely illegal, suggesting it would not survive scrutiny under the Freedom to Read Act. In contrast, Gordana Schifanelli, an attorney for the school board, defended the policy, claiming it does not violate the act.

The proposed guidelines would require librarians to categorize books based on age appropriateness, with students under 18 directed to check out books from the children’s section. This could lead to classics like 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and the 'Harry Potter' series being off-limits for younger students.

Gerding believes that if the policy is enacted, it could face legal challenges from concerned community members. The ongoing discussions highlight a significant tension between educational access and ideological control within the school system.

Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).