Explicit Books in NH Schools is Disturbing
To say the details of this story are disturbing would be an understatement.
This week, the Granite Eagle in New Hampshire published a story about inappropriate and sexually explicit books being available to students as young as 11 years old in New Hampshire schools. The disturbing report detailed a list of books that educated students about LGBTQ lifestyles, sexual techniques and even advice on how to send explicit photos to people you meet on LGBTQ dating apps. While the Granite Eagle reported the story, I found it important to share my thoughts on this hard to comprehend reality.
To say the details of this story are disturbing would be an understatement. What’s more concerning is how this type of content ended up in NH schools and those who are responsible for putting them there.
Like many states, in NH, decisions about curriculum and books are the responsibility of the local school boards and school districts. In NH there is an existing law that allows parents to object to materials they consider inappropriate, but somehow, books that would be classified as pornography have ended up in school libraries and even given as reading assignments to children.
After fielding countless complaints and concerns from New Hampshire parents, 12 NH representatives sponsored HB324 which aimed to ban “obscene or harmful” sexual materials in public schools. The bill created a clear process for evaluating potentially harmful materials and holding school districts accountable, including civil penalties for noncompliance. The bill overwhelmingly passed both the House (183-148) and the Senate (15-8).
The bill was subsequently vetoed by Gov. Kelly Ayotte. Gov. Ayotte cited the adequacy of existing law under RSA 186:11, IX-c, which already requires schools to notify parents about instruction involving human sexuality and to honor written parental objections. Ultimately, Gov. Ayotte decided it wasn’t the state’s responsibility to govern what books end up in schools. That’s the NH way and I suppose that’s what makes NH a great state. The concept of limited government oversight is a real thing in NH and this is an unintended and unfortunate outcome of that approach.
Regardless of HB324 being vetoed, parents still have options. Existing NH law allows parents to file a “Request for Reconsideration of Library Media and Instructional Materials” form. This form can be found on most local school district websites. If you can’t find it, call your school. Parents also have the right to examine instructional materials being used. I strongly encourage every parent to take the time and do your due diligence. At the very least, have a discussion with your child about what they are learning in school and whether they consider any of it inappropriate.
Parents should also be actively engaged in their local school district and pay attention to who is on the school board and the decisions they are making. The reality is, there are some very sick and twisted people who think it’s OK for an 11-year-old to learn about LGBTQ lifestyles and graphic sexual techniques through the content they consume at school.
For those reading this who do not live in New Hampshire, I would highly encourage you to do the same at your local school district. If it’s happening in NH, there’s a good chance it’s happening everywhere.
