Brevard Public Schools Addresses ‘Inappropriate’ Book ‘Gender Queer’ Found at Melbourne High School

By  //  October 12, 2021

BPS: book was taken out of the library immediately

Brevard Public School officials said it was brought to the attention of BPS leadership last week that an inappropriate book was part of the library collection at Melbourne High School. “BPS staff immediately agreed that this book violates our guidelines and that it has no place in our school district,” said BPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Mullins.  (BPS image)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Brevard Public School officials said it was brought to the attention of BPS leadership last week that an inappropriate book was part of the library collection at Melbourne High School.

The book, Gender Queer, a memoir by Maia Kobabe, is a comic book-style autobiography that tells the author’s story of gender identity and sexuality.

“The graphic novel depicts adult images that have no place in education,” said BPS spokesman Russell Bruhn in a release.

Bruhn said the book was taken out of the library immediately after district leaders learned of the content of the book. BPS has guidelines for allowing books into our library and this book failed to meet those guidelines.

“BPS staff immediately agreed that this book violates our guidelines and that it has no place in our school district,” said BPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Mullins.

“I have directed staff to ensure there are no other similar books in our libraries. I want to remind families that each school’s library books can be reviewed online. I encourage parents to review the content that is available to students.”

“BPS staff immediately agreed that this book violates our guidelines and that it has no place in our school district. I have directed staff to ensure there are no other similar books in our libraries,” said BPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Mullins.

Actions taken by the school district:

 Book has been pulled from the library.

 Book has been flagged so it cannot be purchased again.

 All Media Specialists will be retrained in the process of purchasing book titles.

 The entire library catalog will be reviewed to ensure there are no other inappropriate books.

Parents who wish to review their school’s library books can access them here: www.gofollett.com

Florida School Board Association Responds to National School Board Association’s Letter to President BidenRelated Story:
Florida School Board Association Responds to National School Board Association’s Letter to President Biden