VALDOSTA — A book previously required as summer reading for Lowndes High School juniors was removed from the list Monday.

The action was taken by Lowndes County School System Superintendent Steve Smith at the request of a group of concerned citizens.

“The Bean Trees” by Barbara Kingsolver came under attack when one parent, who has yet to be identified, complained to her child’s teacher that the work of fiction contained offensive language and adult situations. The parent then filed a complaint with the Lowndes County School System, rallying her friends at Forrest Park Church of Christ.

“We have received nothing but difficulty from the English Department at Lowndes High School,” said Ray Joyner, minister. “We don’t want these students to be required to read this garbage. It’s pornography.”

Joyner said the book violates the Lowndes County School System’s Code of Conduct, which bans “possessing lewd or obscene materials” and “using vulgar, profane, obscene, or offensive language or gestures.” He said a student caught on the Lowndes High School campus with such a book under different circumstances would be suspended.

Initially, Smith formed a committee to read the book and listen to both sides of the issue, taking into consideration the target audience — college preparatory and advanced placement high school juniors. The committee consisted of teachers, parents, administrators, students and community members.

Smith said the committee recommended the book remain required reading. However, they suggested the book come with a warning, similar to what appears on many compact discs, stating that it contained offensive language and adult situations. Those parents who did not want their child to read the book would be able to select something different, the committee suggested.

Smith said the parent was not satisfied with the results of the committee’s decision and appealed the matter to him, as provided for by a Lowndes County Board of Education policy dealing with public complaints. After looking into the matter further, he decided to prohibit the use of “The Bean Trees” as required reading. He also removed “The Bluest Eyes” by Toni Morrison, an upcoming required reading selection.

Smith said these two novels may appear as an alternate selection for students to read with parental consent. Lowndes High School students are required to read two books, one chosen by the teacher and one chosen from a prepared list by the student, he said.

“Anyone who chooses to read those books is making that choice themselves,” he continued. “We are not forcing them to read the books. They are no longer required books.”

Additionally, Smith said a course syllabus will be required for every course at Lowndes High School, Lowndes Middle School, and Hahira Middle School beginning in January 2005, second semester. He said the syllabus will contain any supplemental materials to be used such as books, videos, and Internet media that is required outside of state-approved, locally adopted textbooks.

“The syllabus will also include a brief overview of supplemental student materials used stating any adult themes or offensive language that might be deemed controversial,” he added. “Parents will be required to sign a consent form if a student selects to read a book that contains adult themes or offensive language. The teacher will provide alternate choices for students who consider a required reading to be offensive.”

Smith said he does not know if the parent was sufficiently satisfied with the action he took on the matter. If not, he said she is allowed to appeal the decision to the Lowndes County Board of Education, whose decision will be final, according to board policy.

According to BookRags Premium Study Guides, “The Bean Trees” is a story about a girl, Taylor Greer, her search for a new life as she leaves her tired Kentucky home and travels to Arizona, and the lessons she learns along the way. During the 200-plus page book, Greer discovers an appreciation for everyday miracles and a new definition of family as she adopts an abused Cherokee toddler, befriends a pair of Guatemalan refugees, and develops a support system of women.

In a review, Publishers Weekly said, “This funny, inspiring book is a marvelous affirmation of risk-taking, commitment, and everyday miracles … An overwhelming delight, as random and unexpected as real life.”

The Philadelphia Inquirer described the book as “loving and expansive … idealistic and exhilarating.”



To contact reporter Jessica Pope, please call (229) 244-3400, ext. 255.