Book isn't appropriate

I am the person who went to the school board with my concerns on the contents of “Kaffir Boy,” which is being passed out as an assigned reading book for the ninth grade honors English class.

A past letter stated that I needed someone to help me understand that “ideas properly explored need not be feared.” I couldn’t agree more. But this book is anything but proper for 14-year-olds (or even adults by my moral standards).

Pages 72-73 explain in very graphic detail, step-by-step, men sexually abusing boys. I truly believe the vast majority of the public would be shocked and offended by what is on these pages. I encourage concerned parents to go to the public library, read pages 72 and 73 and judge for yourself.

The letter stated that I needed to understand that this kind of material will “lead to greater moral and ethical clarity” and the students will become “powerful and responsible people because of it.” I, among many others, totally disagree. This is pornography.

My concern on this issue is if we let the door open on material like this, will we open it a little wider next year and even more the year after and so on? Is this the direction we really choose to go?

I didn’t wish to get in a messy deal over this book. I’m just a concerned mother looking out for her children. We have a nice school system with a lot of wonderful teachers. Let’s strive to keep it that way. I pray this letter will be a stepping stone in keeping material such as this out of our classrooms in the future. Be alert.

In close, I must sincerely thank our school board members for caring for our children. I, among many others, appreciate you pulling this book.

Anita Homan

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