The Moore County Board of Education voted that a book on gender dysphoria remain in school media centers at its March 14 regular business meeting.
On Dec. 15, the board received a complaint and request for the removal of the book “George” by Alex Gino who is interviewed here.
The Request for Review of Building-Level Recommendation was dated Jan. 26. The complaint from Carthage resident Jim Pedersen reads “introducing children to porn and clearing their browser, genital mutilation with scissors, gender dysphoria does not address the “diversity of needs, interests, and viewpoints of students.”
“George” is in the Union Pines High School and McDeeds Creek Elementary School media centers.
“I have a little girl, and I don’t want her exposed to penises bobbing in the water,” school board member Philip Holmes said.
Board member Robert Levy said children start reading books on school grounds, so the media staff is not able to properly supervise books like “George” that are not age-appropriate.
“George” has been checked out twice by fourth and fifth graders in the elementary school.
“George” has not been checked out at all at the high school.
A board-certified committee reviewed the book and determined it should remain in both schools’ media collections, citing inclusion for whole-child development.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Tim Locklair said he supported keeping the book in both schools.
Vice Chair Libby Carter said she supported the committee’s recommendations, and she wanted books in the media center that transgender children can relate to.
“George” by Alex Gino may be previewed here.
To view the March 14 school board meeting in its entirety, please click here.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Journalist Stephanie M. Sellers. Contact her at [email protected].
