Follow Up: Banned Books Restored... Sort Of

REPUBLIC --Two controversial books recently removed from Republic High School will return, but they'll be stored in a secure section of the library and only accessible to parents.


Two months after the Republic school board voted to remove Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse-Five" and Sarah Ockler's "Twenty Boy Summer" -- triggering a heated debate and national attention -- the board revisited the issue during a packed meeting Monday.

"It does keep the books there in the library, and if parents want their kids to read the book, by all means come and check it out," said Superintendent Vern Minor. "...It still puts the decision in parents' hands."

It's great that parents now have a way to make sure their children have access to books that aren't right for some but are recognized for being good works that challenge bright young minds.  I am still boggled that some parents aren't satisfied with telling their kids no, but feel the need to make those decisions for other people, and it's also a bit annoying that if they can't enforce their own rules why they put that weight on the school.  But I won't look at a partial win and complain (much) so there you have it.  Any kids who weren't going to read it before sure will now, and I hope that makes the original control freak (one Wes Scroggins) happy.  If it doesn't, well, better luck next time telling others how to conduct themselves in a free country.  I'll write it really small, so he can see how half-assed is still full access.

Jackass.

Have a great day, Mr. Scroggins.