School Board President Trolls Moms for Liberty by Getting Sworn in on Stack of Banned Books
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The newly appointed school board president in Pennsylvania’s third-largest school district made a powerful statement during her swearing-in ceremony. Karen Smith, one of five Democrats who recently won the Central Bucks School Board elections, was sworn in on a stack of frequently banned books. This act symbolized her commitment to fighting against book banning and promoting the freedom to read.
Last month, Smith and her fellow Democrats ran as the Neighbors United for School Board slate of candidates. They opposed the previous Republican majority’s policies that included book banning, anti-LGBTQA+ measures, and engaging in divisive “culture war” politics. Their campaign received strong support from voters, leading to a significant shift in the board’s composition from a 6–3 Republican majority to a 6–3 Democratic majority.
During Monday night’s ceremony, Smith took her oath of office while placing her hand on six books that have faced challenges or bans in various school districts across the country. Notably, four of these books focused on LGBTQ+ characters and themes. Smith explained that she chose to use these books instead of the Bible since she does not have a strong religious affiliation. She emphasized that the banned books held significant meaning for her, especially considering the events of the past couple of years.
Smith’s decision to swear in on banned/challenged books has drawn attention and praise. Her commitment to defending the freedom to read and challenging book banning policies has resonated with many, particularly those who advocate for inclusivity and diversity in education.
Smith’s journey to becoming the school board president has been marked by a shift in political affiliation. She was initially elected to the school board in 2015 as a Republican. However, she decided to switch parties in 2021 after fellow conservatives voted against allowing a school counselor to attend training on transgender issues. Disillusioned with her former party, Smith felt that the Republican Party had lost its way.
The books that Smith swore in on included Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye,” Eli Wiesel’s “Night,” and several other titles. These books, such as “Lily and Dunkin” by Donna Gephart, “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson, “Flamer” by Mike Curato, and “Beyond Magenta” by Susan Kuklin, have faced challenges and bans due to their LGBTQ+ content. Some were listed as “sexually explicit” by the right-wing group WokePA. Additionally, they appeared on a list of 61 titles challenged under the previous board’s library policy.
Smith expressed her disagreement with WokePA’s labeling of “Lily and Dunkin,” highlighting that she had personally read the book and found no sexual content in it. She described the book as a beautiful story that was being challenged solely because it included a transgender character. Similarly, she praised “Beyond Magenta” for its depiction of real transgender teens and deemed it a valuable resource for young people. Smith also acknowledged the sexual content in “All Boys Aren’t Blue” but commended author George M. Johnson for his courage in sharing his experiences.
Since taking office, the new Central Bucks school board, led by President Smith, has already reversed several controversial policies implemented by the previous board. These include two policies related to library books, a ban on Pride flags, and restrictions on transgender student athletes’ participation in school sports. The board unanimously voted to challenge a hefty severance package given to former Superintendent Abram Lucabaugh, who had supported the anti-LGBTQ+ agenda of the previous Republican board members.
Smith has also assured that the more than 60 books challenged under the previous board’s library policy will remain on shelves. However, she is uncertain about what will happen with the two LGBTQ+ books that were officially banned.
The swearing-in ceremony of Karen Smith on a stack of banned books has garnered attention beyond the Central Bucks School District. Her commitment to defending the freedom to read and challenging book bans has struck a chord with advocates for inclusivity and diversity in education. By taking this symbolic stand, Smith has set a precedent for other school board members and leaders to prioritize the rights of students and promote a more inclusive learning environment.
As the newly appointed school board president, Smith’s leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational policies and practices of the Central Bucks School District. With her dedication to promoting diversity and fighting against discrimination, many are hopeful that positive change will be brought to the district’s classrooms and curriculum.
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