Graphic Sexually Explicit Content in Schools

Policy to protect children on the agenda THIS Tues

SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIALS IN SCHOOL LIBRARIES Policy 6-65 (document found here) on the School Board agenda THIS Tuesday, May 23rd.

​PLEASE EMAIL THE SCHOOL BOARD AND TELL THEM TO PROTECT CHILDREN BY VOTING "YES" TO POLICY 6-65: SchoolBoard@vbcpsboard.com.  Please also sign up to speak (either in person or virtually) at this link.

It is imperative that children be protected from harm in schools. Materials that contain sexually explicit content can cause lasting trauma for children or even re-traumatization of children who have been victims of sexual assault.

Examples of content that can be found in VB school libraries are found at this link. These materials include descriptions and/or pictures of masturbation, oral sex, pedophilia, sadomasochism, detailed descriptions of rape and more. Under this policy, these materials will be prohibited in VB Elementary Schools.
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While many believe these materials also do not belong in middle and high schools, this policy will not prohibit parents from allowing their own children to have access to these materials. However, since many parents are not aware that these graphic explicit materials are present in school libraries, it is imperative that all parents be notified. Those parents who do not want their children to have access to these materials can then make that decision to opt out their children from this harmful content. This is a reasonable policy that gives parents a choice.

Here is a summary of the policy:

--Sexually Explicit is defined in the policy using state laws. It does not include books such as Captain Underpants, biology books, the statue of David, or the breast on the Virginia Flag

--Sexually Explicit materials will not be purchased nor free materials put into the libraries of VB Elementary schools

--Sexually Explicit materials will remain in Middle and High Schools but parents can make a challenge of materials and if deemed sexually explicit based on the definition under state code, the materials will remain be will also be put on a list and notification made to parents. The materials will NOT be removed nor put in a separate section.

--New Sexually Explicit materials purchased or received by Middle or High Schools, will be placed on a list of materials to indicate sexually explicit content and parents will be notified and provided the ability to opt-out.

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