Still more on the Cape Henlopen/Cameron Post debacle.

From Delaware Online:

Brittingham said his vote had nothing to do with the book's gay themes. He noted that the board never contemplated removing the title from the school library.

"I understand that gives [Danforth] 15 minutes of fame here to keep it on a gay front, to say that we are gay bashers," Brittingham said Wednesday. "If she takes the curse words out of the book, then bring the book back. I'm not ready to surrender our ability to meet profanity with discipline."

The problem here, though, is that—in addition to being insultingly condescending and dismissive (the author expressing disagreement with the board's stance, methods, and logic doesn't equate to chasing publicity)—Brittingham is not actually even responding to the main point that danforth and many others have raised: that there are at least two other profanity-laced books on the same list, so why exactly was Cameron Post singled out?

The article ALSO points out that in removing the book from the curriculum, the Cape Henlopen School board didn't follow their own policy:

C. Challenged or questioned materials: Since opinions may differ in a democracy, the following procedures will be observed in recognizing those differences in an impartial and factual manner.

(1) Citizens of the school community may register their criticism with the school principal. All criticism shall be in writing. The statement shall include the specific information as required on the Request for Reconsideration of Library and Instructional Materials form. The form is available at the office.

(2) The principal will chair and appoint a committee of school personnel to reevaluate the materials being questioned and to make recommendations.

a. The questioned materials shall be read and reevaluated by a committee composed of three certified personnel. The three members shall be selected by the principal of the school and consist of the librarian and two teachers, one of whom must be a specialist in the subject area. The report of this committee shall be completed within 20 school days.
b. The principal may call in qualified citizens of the school community for consultation.
c. The principal’s decision concerning the committee’s recommendation shall be sent in writing to the complainant. Copies of the decision shall be sent to the librarians, and committee members.

(3) The appropriate director will review the principal’s decision in terms of applicability to the district curriculum. In terms of an instructional textbook that has been adopted throughout the district, the director may assume the duties of principal listed above.

So, yes. Cape Henlopen School Board, way to not bring the awesome.

Previously: Challenged in Delaware: The Miseducation of Cameron Post.

Previously: emily m. danforth's Response to the Cape Henlopen Situation.