Controversial book removed from freshman class
Staff writer
Concerns raised by parents over content of a novel assigned to Marion High School freshmen have led to removal the book from classroom instruction.
The issue came to Audra Davidson’s attention when her son, a high school student, approached her about the material.
“My son came to me and said, ‘Mom, there’s a rape in my book,’” Davidson said.
The book, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky, had been assigned as part of a freshman English class.
The novel, published in 1999, follows a high school student navigating trauma, mental health struggles, and relationships. It has been noted for addressing topics such as sexual abuse, depression, and suicide.
Mental health professionals and educators have cited the book as one that can open discussion about difficult topics among adolescents, though some also note that its themes may be challenging for younger readers.
For Davidson and other parents, the issue was not simply the content but how it was introduced.
According to Davidson, parents were not initially informed about the nature of the material and did not have an opportunity to review or consent before students began reading it.
“We trusted the school,” she said. “There was no disclaimer or nothing that said, ‘please check this book out before your child reads it.’”
Multiple parents raised concerns with the school, Davidson said, asking that the book be removed from the curriculum. Their goal, she said, was not to ban the book but to stop it from being required reading for freshmen.
“I don’t want it in the kids’ hands in a school setting,” Davidson said.
An alternative assignment was offered for students whose parents objected. However, after continued concerns from parents and community members, the book was pulled entirely from the class.
Principal Donald Raymer confirmed the change.
“We were told yesterday that the book was pulled,” Raymer said.
He said it no longer was being taught in the class.
The school did not initially agree that the book should be removed, he said.
“Their concerns were heard, and they were offered an alternative read for their child,” Raymer said.
Raymer thinks the book has some educational value, particularly in addressing complex issues students may face.
The novel has since been replaced by “Lord of the Flies,” a staple in high school literature classes.
Raymer noted that many commonly taught books contain violence or difficult themes.
“There are a lot of other books about all those,” he said.
While the book’s removal reflects a response to parent concerns, Raymer emphasized the challenges schools face when balancing educational goals, community standards, and student well-being.
Tensions surrounding the issue extended beyond meetings and into the community, Raymer said. He described an incident in which a teacher was confronted at Casey’s General Store.
Despite disagreements, both Davidson and Raymer indicated that the situation underscored the importance of communication between schools and families. The outcome shows that community members can have an impact when they speak up, Davidson said.
“This was just about protecting kids,” she said.
She added that parents wanted to be involved in decisions affecting classroom material.
Such situations are not uncommon in education and often involve differing perspectives, Raymer said.
“There’s been more people, one that’s against it, one that’s advocating for it,” he said.