Are Laurel and Billings Parents OK With This in School Libraries?

*Warning: the below images can be considered graphic content.

I'd be interested in hearing from teachers on this story. So this is a book about assassinating teachers and shooting up classrooms. How do teachers feel about this? Is the teacher's union cool with this?

In case you missed it, KTVQ-TV had a story recently about how several graphic or sexually oriented books targeted kids are in the school library in Laurel. In addition to the "Assassination Classroom" books, a book with this title is also on school bookshelves: "The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School."

While the author of the KTVQ report linked above spun the story as a "book ban" story, what the Laurel School Board is simply looking to do is implement age appropriate restrictions. (A more fair and balanced report can be found by KTVQ's David Jay by clicking here)

We told you about a similar story in the Billings public schools back in November.

Brooke Wagner recently got elected to the school board for School District 2 in Billings. She heard the concerns about "Assassination Classroom" and did some research of her own. She is speaking out on this topic- not on behalf of the school board, but as a concerned parent with kids in school.

Brooke Wagner: I have had several parents reach out and ask my thoughts as a parent and community member on this book. My advice is always to investigate for yourself and talk to your kids about what they are reading and learning. Parents, teachers, and school staff need to work together to ensure the best outcomes for our students and children.

As we reported previously, the Assassination Classroom books are in high school libraries in SD2. The book series was challenged by a parent. As Wagner tells us, a review committee was formed to make a recommendation. The committee voted to keep the book with only 1 dissenter. That vote was appealed by the parent. Now a panel of trustees has been formed to review the appeal and make a recommendation to the board. The panel will meet on Monday, then make a recommendation to the board at the regular meeting on Jan 22.

*Note: We have also reached out to the publishing company to see if the publisher and/or author of the book series would like to comment on this story.

What's your take? Should age appropriate restrictions apply? Should this NOT be available inside of school libraries for underage minors? Shoot us a message on the app or e-mail aaron (at) montanatalks.com