Controversy Erupts Over Potential Book Removals in Edmonton Schools

Several award-winning titles may soon be removed from public school libraries in Edmonton, Alberta, following new directives from the provincial Ministry of Education and Childcare. A preliminary list shared with former trustee Bridget Stirling indicates that hundreds of books could be affected, raising significant concerns among educators and literary advocates.

Stirling, who spoke to CTV News Edmonton on September 28, 2023, expressed alarm over the potential exclusions. “It actually contains some really significant works of literature,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of books that provide youth with insights into diverse perspectives. The list reportedly includes influential titles such as A Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, and Forever by Judy Blume. Stirling noted a disproportionate number of works authored by women, LGBTQ2S+ writers, Indigenous authors, and historically marginalized voices, emphasizing the necessity for inclusive literature in educational settings.

While the Edmonton Public School Board (EPSB) did not disclose the specific list during the interview, Board Chair Julie Kusiek acknowledged the concerns raised and confirmed that the board is striving to comply with provincial regulations. In a statement, Kusiek urged anyone with concerns about the flagged books to reach out directly to the education minister. “Division staff worked over the summer to ensure that only books that directly met the criteria in the ministerial order were added to the Division’s removal list,” she added.

Government Directive Sparks Debate

The controversy traces back to an order issued by Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides in May 2023, which aimed to identify and flag books containing inappropriate sexual content. In a recent communication with CTV News Edmonton, Nicolaides clarified that the provincial government had not provided the leaked list to EPSB. “We have asked Edmonton Public to clarify why these books were selected to be pulled, and we will work with them to ensure the standards are accurately implemented,” he stated.

The minister emphasized that children should not be exposed to explicit content, citing concerns over themes such as oral sex and child molestation. He pointed out that some forms of non-explicit sexual content may still be accessible to students in Grade 10 and above, provided they are deemed age-appropriate. The existing framework previously allowed school boards to independently determine suitable materials for their libraries.

With new regulations set to take effect on October 1, 2023, Stirling warned that school divisions may face similar challenges in identifying which books comply with the updated standards. “School divisions are left making their own best guess as to what’s allowed,” she said, arguing that many of the titles on the list have faced challenges not due to graphic content, but rather for addressing complex themes.

A Call for Free Expression

The issue has drawn criticism from various stakeholders, including James Turk, director of the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University. Turk contended that many of the books on the unverified list do not contain explicit material. “If they pull Brave New World, we’re into a really crazy world,” he asserted, suggesting that the removal of these texts could stifle important discussions and learning opportunities for students.

Turk believes the order results from lobbying efforts by groups like Action for Canada, which he claims are ideologically opposed to public education. “They’re going after books in school libraries they think shouldn’t be there,” he noted, emphasizing the dangers of censorship. He explained that educators and librarians are trained to assess age-appropriate materials, making the removal process a complex and nuanced task.

“The problem of censorship has persisted for thousands of years,” Turk added, highlighting the delicate balance between protecting youth and ensuring freedom of expression. “I think, broadly, most Canadians think freedom of expression is a good idea.”

As the situation develops, many educators and advocates are calling for a more transparent and collaborative approach to ensure that students have access to a wide range of literature. The ongoing debate underscores the critical importance of fostering an educational environment that promotes diverse voices and ideas.