Riverton mayor demands removal of 'sexually explicit' books from Jordan School District
RIVERTON, Utah (KUTV) — Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs has called for the removal of certain books from the Jordan School District libraries, claiming that they contain sexually explicit content unsuitable for minors.
He approached the district board meeting on Tuesday saying “scores of parents” are calling for books with sexual content to be taken off the shelves, but they don’t believe the district is listening to them.
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“Irrespective of the total volume of the complete piece of work, if you couldn’t air certain segments of it on your news, why should it be made available to minors?” he asked.
He also is taking issue with the process the Jordan School District uses to review potentially offensive material. The books are reviewed at each individual school, when Staggs believes the review process should be district-wide.
“It puts the onus on the parents to go out and do all the legwork, find the book, put it in front of their committee to determine whether or not it’s a violation," Staggs said.
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District officials sent the following statement to 2News:
“With extensive public input, the Jordan School District Board of Education recently updated policy that aligns with changes in State Law regarding the evaluation of age appropriate books and materials in our schools.
We follow this policy when reviewing, approving, or removing materials or books in our schools.
Our schools are a place where all are free to learn in a safe, welcoming environment. Student safety, health, and wellness is our top priority.”
