The local Indian River County Chapter of Moms for Liberty has now counted more than 80 books in his list at public school libraries containing pornography and Critical Race Theory.
So far, one publication has been permanently removed from the school libraries, but there are now 63 more challenged books submitted with pornographic material. In addition, there are also 16 books about Critical Race Theory.
“Others including cults, peer pressure to commit suicide, severe violence, murder, severe drug use, and cannibalism,” Jennifer Pippin, head of Moms for Liberty Indian River County, told Sebastian Daily.
Pippin encourages parents to read the list of the books they reviewed before passing judgment. You can see the list of books and why they were cited by clicking here.
“Honestly, anyone who reads them knows that this content isn’t ok,” Pippin said.
Indian River County School Superintendent Dr. David Moore said some of publications found in the libraries did not go through a review process, breaking the school district’s policy from 2014.
School Board member Mara Schiff surprised many people at the last public meeting by stating some of the books on the list offer education through experiences.
For example, she spoke about a book called Beloved by Toni Morrison, which is sexually explicit and talks about Beastiality.
“Is it challenging to read? It sure is. But is it appropriate in some circumstances to talk about the lives and experiences of people who don’t look like us or sound like us or have the history of us to understand what that’s like,” Schiff questioned.
Another book called The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is about sexual assault, sexual content, violence, and rape. Schiff admits there is rough content but explains it shows a life of different experiences.
“I read that book. It was a hard read. But I read it as an adult, and I’ll acknowledge that. That was a hard read,” Schiff explained.
Even so, Schiff says there are books on the list that have nothing to do with pornographic content.
Pippin told Sebastian Daily that these books are not for K-12 in the public school system and was appalled by Schiff’s comments during the school board meeting.
She encourages parents to read the list and ask themselves if they would allow their children to read them. Pippin also said these books are attempting to “sexualize children” and have no educational value in schools.