Bixby School Board Votes To Keep 2 Contentious Books On High School Shelf

The Bixby Board of Education voted to keep two books, after some parents said they are inappropriate and called for them to be removed from the high school.

Some parents said the books have disturbing, inappropriate and sexual content.

The two books at the center of the meeting are “Thirteen Reasons Why,” which has been made into a Netflix Series, and “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” which was turned into a movie.

Janice Danforth, a Bixby parent, spoke on behalf of a group of concerned families.

Danforth said the district should not fill students’ minds with filth and obscene materials, citing profanity was used hundreds of times in one of the books.

The district explained the committee that reviewed these books felt that they can teach students about anti-drug use and other important lessons.

Superintendent Rob Miller said it was a good meeting over a contentious topic.

He said there are concerns over resources that students have access to in school libraries and also concerns over the First Amendment, making sure students have access to materials that appeal to them.

“Our media specialists have really done, what I consider a great job, of trying to balance those two things to make sure every child in our school is represented by the collection that we have,” said Miller.

The district said parents can always see what titles are available in the libraries and even be notified of materials their children check out and place any holds they want.

The special meeting lasted about an hour and a half, and everyone stayed calm and cordial.