MARSHFIELD, Wis (WSAU) — In Marshfield, school officials have agreed to review a book that’s required reading for the district’s 10th graders, and contains what some describe as graphic language and explicit situations.
Frances Bohon chairs the district’s Curriculum and Instruction Committee and says, use of the book “The Glass Castle” by Jeanette Walls will be re-examined. “We actually had a formal complaint, and the issue was language and ideas put forth in the book by someone with addictions and mental illness.”
“That book has been forwarded on to the instructional materials complaint process, which is the materials reconsideration committee that will be convened to actually read the book and decide on that, and then make a recommendation to the superintendent,” Bohon explained.
Marshfield parent Dan Alsides addressed the school board in December regarding the book, and said he thinks the district’s kids deserve better. “The book is full of foul language, and explicit and disturbing materials. I realize that the kids these days are exposed to some bad language, but I don’t think that we need to have it during class requirements.”
Alsides also read a number of excerpts to the board. “I have a few quotes from the book. Page 77: ‘G** D*** Rosemary do you think I’m a f***ing idiot?’ Page 184: ‘A girl is molested by her uncle. Mom tries to calm me down by explaining that sexual assault is a crime of perception. If you don’t think you’re hurt, then you aren’t.’”
As a parent, Alsides said he hoped the board would read the book, and instead require books that, “inspire our children to greatness.”
You can find audio of Alsides full comments to the school board posted with this story.
