GOP women hear status of K-12 schools, some express displeasure with return of ‘porn’ to libraries

Written by Nick Yamashita
October 15, 2022

ST. GEORGE — The Washington County Republican Women’s monthly meeting on Oct. 6 had special guests from the Washington County School District to be a part of an education panel, giving the women a chance to ask questions and hear more about the current status of local schools. One question brought up controversy involving the recent policy regarding banning books at school libraries.

School board president Kelly Blake contemplates a question asked at an education panel hosted by Republican Women of Washington County at the Best Western Abbey Inn, St. George, Utah, Oct. 6, 2022 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

The panel consisted of Washington County School Board President Kelly Blake, board member LaRene Cox, George Washington Academy Board of Directors Chair Shannon Greer, and Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education Richard Holmes.

Holmes was a last-minute replacement for Superintendent Larry Bergeson, who was unable to attend.

After a short greeting, biography, and invitation to take their seats on the panel, the board was peppered with nonstop questions about topics and current issues, including the sensitive library materials policy, guns in schools, securing entrances in schools, charter schools success, college preparation programs, dress code, and more.

The specific question that caused some controversy was submitted by several mothers, specifically one who asked about the recent action by the school board to return 23 books to the shelves of libraries which the mother’s group insisted were “porn.”

The question was, “Can you say when the district will be in full compliance with H.B. 374, and why the district returned 23 pornographic books to the shelf recently?”

H.B. 374 is state legislation concerning materials allowed within school libraries.

“The law was very specific within three areas of criteria where you can review a book based on pornographic materials, and if the books are reviewed do not meet those three criteria, then they can not be removed,” Holmes said.

The Republican Women of Washington County and guests listen to an education panel at their luncheon at the Best Western Abbey Inn, St. George, Utah, October 6, 2022 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

Holmes explained the process by which a parent can appeal the decision if not happy about the outcome. They can come into their child’s school and fill out a form, naming the book and the areas of concern. Then they will meet with the media personnel and the principal. If not resolved there, it goes to the school board before a book review committee comprised of teachers, media personnel, administration, and parents. They will decide whether the book is removed from school libraries.

The writer of the question told the board they did not know what the law was..

“You misunderstood the law. It’s against the law to have them on the school shelf,” she said.

She went on to explain she has been banned from schools and school libraries. As a mother of homeschooled students, she complained of not receiving “standing” authority, stating that the school board policy defines “standing'” as the right to challenge materials in district school libraries.

However, the policy states that, “Parents and guardians only have the standing to challenge materials in the schools in which their students are currently enrolled and attending.”

The dispute ended with the moderator moving on to another question, but a small group of mothers expressed frustration after the meeting was dismissed.

In a separate statement from Steven Dunham, the district’s Director of Communications and Foundation responded to the claims by the small group of women concerning the 23 returned books.

“Some community members, not parents (of students), have entered our schools without authorization and have been warned that for the safety of the students, they are not allowed to enter the libraries for their own purposes, or they will be trespassed from the schools.”

Dunham went on to say that the “Washington County School District has led the state in our efforts to be in compliance with the new law about removing pornographic materials from our library shelves. While some parents may have their own opinions about what constitutes as pornography, we are strictly following the new law in this matter. As far as lists of books, those individuals must have been referencing their own list.”
Asst. Superintendent Richard Holmes responds to concerns with sensitive materials within the school libraries at an education panel at the Best Western Abbey Inn, St. George, Utah, October 6, 2022 | Photo by Nick Yamashita, St. George News

Another response about questions on gender identity and dress code received applause from everyone in attendance. The panel agreed that the dress code has specifics that must be followed, but most importantly, “as long as it is not disruptive to learning.”

“When we deal with students of different backgrounds or lifestyles or choices, we encourage and counsel, teach our administration that we treat everyone with respect and kindness,” Holmes said. “We are not there to judge them or not to make them feel unwelcome in that school.”

Holmes explained they do have some students who are transgender, and the school administrators work with the students and their parents to decide the best route for them. This includes available private restrooms at each school for transgender students.

“We have not as yet, but we anticipate one day we will have individuals push the issue where they will use that restroom they want… but I believe we will draw a line in the sand and say no,” he said.

Shari Smith moderated the panel, while the chapter president Haylee Caplin presided.

“It’s always good to have access to them (panel) to know what is going on in our schools… so we know what our students are learning and where our district is going,” Caplin said.

Other news included the education progression within the Hildale community, advancements in school safety, and student success during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Republican Women of Washington County has gained 43 new members this year and has had multiple guests at luncheons this year, including media, local politicians, and some members of another chapter out of California.

Photo Gallery

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nick Yamashita has extensive experience reporting for small town media, covering a variety of subjects and events for The Virgin River Times and The Progress in Southern Nevada. Before a career in journalism, he worked a variety of jobs in criminal justice systems. Yamashita holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Southern Utah University. He is an award-winning photographer and writer. He has been published in scholarly articles and poetry compilations. In his spare time, he practices and teaches martial arts.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!