Debate over whether to remove a book from the public library is dividing people in Lapeer county. At issue is the graphic novel “Gender Queer”. Some residents say it’s underage pornography and that it grooms children. The library director told WCMU the book belongs in the library as much as any other book.
Ben Jodway went to a library board meeting last night where dozens of residents wanted to speak their mind. He talked to Amy Robinson about what happened.
AMY: What was the headline from last night?
BEN: One of them was: the library director will not be charged with a crime. The Lapeer County prosecutor John Miller walked back earlier statements.
"My office never contemplated criminal charges against anyone or the library staff. My comments were taken out of context, and I’m here tonight to correct the record.”
Miller says he still finds the book to be inappropriate.
“As a prosecutor and advocate to children, it is critically important to protect children from being exploited sexually and educate Lapeer citizens on complying with the laws in the state of Michigan.”
AMY: What was the response from the community?
BEN: Over 100 people were there, and public comment lasted three hours. The community response was split down the board
Some were in support of the book, like Phillip Lowells.
“I’m an EMT and have been for over a decade. I’ve seen them in the back of my trucks. I have put tubes down their throats and I have breathed for them. And if this book stops just one of them from being the back of my ambulance, then it is worth it a thousand times over!”
Some were anti-book, like an unnamed woman who carried a poster with panels from the graphic novel.
“We need to stop shaming with CRT, and we must stop pushing for grooming of sexuality on our children. We must not normalize this anymore.”
The woman claimed that they showed underage porn, and showed them to the board before being shouted down.
AMY: What about the book itself? What are people objecting to?
BEN: The prosecutor claims youth are engaged in underage sex, which is incorrect. I read the book myself. There is a reference in the book with the protagonist being in grad school, and using Tinder, which you would have to be over 18 to install.
There is a concern over children being able to check out their book without their parent’s knowledge, but the library director says the book is housed in the adult section of the library.
AMY: And the big question: will the book remain in circulation?
BEN: For now. The library director has not announced a final decision. She says she has 75 days to respond to what’s called a request to reconsider.
However, she has openly said that she believes the book is not inappropriate or illegal and she sees no reason right now to remove it from the shelf.
AMY: Ben, thanks for your time.
BEN: Of course, my pleasure.