School Board Candidates tug of war: Books and Censorship in Maryland

The upcoming Maryland school board elections promise to test the limits of academic freedoms. At the heart of the debate is the issue of book bans and how schools should manage literary material in their libraries. We delve into the opinions of various candidates, their visions for school libraries, and the legal bearings that underpin these policies.

Candidates’ Stance on Book Bans

One candidate, Colt Black, a multi-hyphenate nominee from Frederick County, has made it clear that he doesn’t support outright book bans. However, he is advocating for a review process with a committee and public hearings to filter out materials that he deems inappropriate, particularly if they contain “extreme violence or are sexually explicit with no academic value.”

Black’s perspective isn’t unique. A state-wide survey by Local News Network showed a nuanced split among candidates:

• 38 candidates favor setting up professional committees to ensure books are age-appropriate.
• 19 strongly opposed book bans without agreeing on a clear review process.
• 17 candidates are open to banning books if parents find them objectionable.

Sarah J. McDermott, running in Anne Arundel County’s District 4, is vocal about her trust in educators and librarians, stating: "No topic should be banned from curriculum or libraries, provided that they are age appropriate."

Legal Framework and Compliance

Maryland laws suggest a clear path for public education, mandating that school systems maintain their library content without removing material due to origin, background, or views of the author. Additionally, the state mandates that any challenged books remain on the shelves until reviewed adequately. This law, however, does not prevent all banned books.

One eye-opening example comes from Carroll County, which saw over 60 books removed, including titles like "And They Lived" and "Kingdom of Ash." This move set a precedent that other conservative counties are following.

An Independently Liberal-Isolated County

Carroll County, typically isolated as a liberal vanguard amidst its surrounding counties, has stubbornly retained its independence. It’s been an inconsistent vote for the Democratic Party but offers ground for future liberal candidates to challenge rising conservative movements in education.

Critics like Amanda Jozkowski, who opposes the Kari county’s proactive removals, are emphasizing educational value and consistency over censorship. She even initiated collaboration with another candidate to push a platform for school success, marking the need for opposing views in the upcoming elections.

Conservative Counterpart

Trent Kittleman, an Moms for Liberty-affiliated candidate, stands firm on removing books that contain explicit sexual content, stating: "I would state unequivocally that I do not condone materials that are sexually gratuitous in nature or feature extreme sexual content."

stare contest that she is, MOM, Jen Mallo, represents the exact opposite approach, advocating for a diverse and inclusive set of library books and actively working to uphold them against extremist pressures.

LegalTogether and The Issue

The Montgomery County courtcase reveals a pivotal respect to parental rights—the parents who launched a petition to involve the Supreme Court, arguing First Amendment rights violated. This position highlights a contentious area where vaginal education intersects with parent choice and community inclusion.

Candidates like Brenda M. Diaz encourages schools to adjust based on the majority’s parental choices if parents find certain materials distressful.

Looking Ahead

As the 2024 elections draw near, both sides of this critical debate are gearing up. Liberals and conservatives remain steadfast in their views, and the outcome could set new benchmarks for educational policies in Maryland.

Call to Action

Get involved! Look up the candidates in your district and familiarize yourself with their stances. Participate in local meetings, share your opinions on social media, and ensure you’re armed with informed choices when you head to the polls. Your voice and vote can make a profound difference.

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