Milford students to keep reading book after some parents request to ban it
MILFORD, Ohio (WKRC) – There's controversy in a local classroom after some parents said they aren't happy about a book their high school students are reading in class. They took their complaints to the school board, hoping to get the book banned.
Milford Schools announced its decision on the matter Thursday.
The book, called "In the Time of the Butterflies," has been part of Milford High School's 10th grade curriculum since the 2014-2015 school year.
Recently, three parents made complaints to the district, saying they think the book's sexual content is not appropriate for their students.
A Facebook post about the situation is stirring up a debate.
The post reads, “Our 10th graders are being forced to read this pornography in school!”
"In the Time of the Butterflies" was written by Julia Alvarez and published in 1994.
It follows four sisters in the Dominican Republic fighting for freedom from Dictator Rafael Trujillo.
Milford Schools said a committee of parents, teachers, and administrators read the book and met Wednesday to discuss it.
Superintendent John Spieser released a statement Thursday, saying, "Five individuals voted to continue to include the book as part of the curriculum and one voted to restrict it to more mature students."
He added, “The novel is an important component within the approved curriculum, is reflective of the Milford Vision and our Portrait of an Eagle, and parents continue to have the ability to choose alternate texts for their child to read if they determine it is in their best interest to do so."
If parents ask for an alternative, there are three options, including A Separate Peace.
