001go I'd like to call to order this special meeting of the Board of Trustees um the first order of business is the invocation and the pledge that's going to be led by our vice chair Miss Cindy Kesler I invite you to pray with me dear Lord G guide us and lead us today help us to make wise decisions to trust in your plan for our lives please give us the courage to face the challenges that come our way today and every day in your name I pray amen thank you Miss Kesler the next item on our agenda is the consent agenda and um without objection our consent agenda will stand approved um next on our agenda is the determination of the remaining two book appeals that we've had under the old ke I would remind
002um every everyone watching from home and those here with us today that the board is in a full policy review and as part of that process we are working on a new version of that K policy which is among the many that needed to be updated and that new policy will actually include some of the um comments and concerns we've seen from people who've either been on committees people who've been complainants um just a wide variety of comments have been taken in to hopefully make this a smoother and better process um but that said we are still following the process we've been following and so um the complainant is going to be allowed 15 minutes we'll have a timer going uh ask that we keep the comments on that to the book that's under review
003today um for that complainant and then obviously the district um committee chairs will uh also have 15 minutes um none of y'all have to take the full 15 minutes if y'all don't want to but but uh you will have that and we'll have that timer it's going to be 15 actually um and of course the uh committee chairs will also limit their comments and concerns to those um directly related to the book and the committee work um with that we will begin and and by the way at the end of every um presentation Miss Kesler will make a motion to um basically affirm the committee decision Miss Miss C Miss castles is going to Second it that does not mean that they are ti to voting that way but that is the way we're doing
004the Motions to get them on the floor for discussion if the board has any and then we will vote um either to uh support um and retain or to not support and to remove um board members again will be asking for a show of hands just because I think that's been a lot easier with Miss strange and also for those watching at home to see how we're we're doing with that we will turn it over to the very number um one first appeal which is a good kind of trouble and I believe I'm welcoming to the podium um Miss Melanie Shaw Miss sha if you will come to the podium please well good evening Madam chair board members and Dr Hafner I want to thank Dr Hafner first for taking on the daunting task of
005overseeing our school library Audits and removing even more books than those that have been challenged thus far as we continue to work together to clean up our libraries and set Common Sense boundaries the children will be free to read smart and safe and it isn't and isn't that the ultimate goal of every Media Center in Lexington too the blatant issue with the book being appealed this evening is that the organization it promotes goes against everything that Lexington 2 stands for Lexington 2 promotes racial Unity lexingon 2 promotes supporting families and communities Lexington 2 wholeheartedly supports and is most grateful for our SRO in our schools we work hard to maintain a strong and positive and respectful relationship with law enforcement Lex Tu also promotes racial reconciliation and mutual respect this is why this Appeal on
006a good kind of trouble is so crucial let's begin with what is really happening in the story for children ages 8 to 12 a black person is killed by a white female police officer the court is deliberating the case the family of color in the story wants the white officer convicted because they believe all white officers act out of fear and hate for black people the main character is the family's 12-year-old daughter a middle schooler named Shay Shay's older sister is a BLM activist who teases Shay constantly about only having white friends the rhetoric from family members is racist and prejudiced black lives matter is portrayed as a positive organization and is promoted throughout the story visuals of clenched fists lifted in the air signifying Defiance and resistance are strategically placed at the beginning of
007each chapter sheay is encouraged and eventually ignites a racial protest on her school campus a good kind of troubles conversations within this book incite radical activism through the elevation of a corrupt organization called black lives matter who are they BL Lim is an organization founded by two self-proclaimed marxists they chose a name they knew would create a narrative everyone could get behind of course black lives matter BLM collected billions of dollars from good-hearted Americans who truly care about our country's continued efforts to pursue justice for all they did this while spreading propaganda through media campaigns and inflicting violence and destruction in the summer of 2020 on the very communities they claimed to represent they destroyed businesses law enforcement facilities historical monuments and innocent lives where did all the money go to the Marxist leaders extravagant
008living quarters among other Pleasures blm's number one Marxist goal is to destroy the nuclear family the nuclear family is what Lex 2 strongly believes in exhaustive research shows that the traditional two- parent family structure is the Bedrock for a a thriving Society children of all Races do much better mentally socially and educationally when the family unit is intact the BLM and schools website lists several of their demands and one is to replace school resource officers with more counselors Lexington 2 strongly supports having SRO on our campuses BLM is obviously ignoring what's happening around the nation where schools are experiencing violent behavior and student on student and student on teer assaults are on the rise on school campuses the removal of law enforcement is absurd the presence their presence encourages one to pause for before acting
009out they bring a sense of calm and peace not chaos to the school day student Behavior which elevates to a danger level putting student students and faculty and Harm's Way will not deescalate with counselors cheery voices Smiles or deep breathing exercises BM has recently exposed further their Marxist Roots When America's greatest Ally Israel was brutally attacked on October 7th by the terrorist organization Hamas while the gruesome truth was being exposed of Israeli babies being beheaded burned in ovens family members killed in in front of other family members ripped from their homes among other s sadistic acts by Hamas BLM vow to stand with a terrorist whose sole purpose for their existence is to annihilate the entire Jewish race from the face of the earth does that sound like BLM cares about the humanity of any
010race does that reflect our values so why in Heaven's name would we promote any children's book filled with propaganda genda that is the antithesis to everything our community believes and stands for but books like these are how the marxists are getting their strong message into the minds of young children books like a good kind of trouble encourage separating and the labeling of children as oppressed and oppressors it insinuates ideas that can never be proved for example the middle school English teacher claims that if Waldo Emerson was alive today he would be a strong supporter of BLM this book and tons of others in our libraries repeat the propaganda being spread on social media platforms and news outlets that not only don't present facts they ignore them a good kind of trouble divides children families and
011communities have you seen the hundreds of thousands of college students who have been indoctrinated with Marxist ideology olog marching in our own streets this is the result of the propaganda cancer that has infiltrated our education system this didn't happen overnight it's been creeping in for decades a good kind of trouble is in elementary and middle schools in our district authoritarians and social Engineers understand that if they can indoctrinate the young they will transform the social fabric of an entire nation BLM and others pushing race haate agenda are seeking to dismantle the family defund police and cause racial division a good kind of trouble is anything but good it intentionally elevates One race by using the social justice tactic of capitalizing the be in Black while diminishing another with lower casing the W in white let's
012review just a little of the propaganda thread into this book page 40 Shay's mom says you know how their trials go doesn't seem like black folks can get any justice page 41 during a family conversation Shay asked do the police hate us hate black people Mama explains well for too long people have been fed a diet about black folks about folks with brown skin making them think we're scary and that's how the police have been trained to act it's going to take a long time to change people's minds Shay responds maybe after the trial's over people will know we're not scary and they'll know we matter page 49 while talking about English class Shay's dad says they're teaching the dead white men a lot earlier these days huh page 50 Shay's mom says a lot
013of things you'll be taught in school are from a certain perspective and Shay responds dead white men's perspective page 61 Shay's English teacher speaks about Ralph Waldo Emerson I believe if he were alive now he would be a strong supporter of the black lives matter movement page 63 Shay blurts out in class you'd be angry too if people who looked at you who looked like you were getting shot for no reason page 65 from Shay's journal entry I also don't get why some people would think black people are against them when we're the ones getting shot page 83 Hannah's off to make Hannah who is Shay's older sister is off to make BLM posters Shay writes in her journal I wonder if Miss Jacobs is Right would Emerson really support BLM even though he's a
014dead white man page 87 Hannah pressur Shay to protest and to get a BLM armband that's just a small sampling of this children's book written for ages 8 to 12 it plays on emotions involving social justice issues which is a true Marxist Ploy forget academic standards just push social justice activism a good kind of trouble encourages children to view themselves and others through the lens of skin color it's so sad it Praises an organization that has lied stolen funds and Destroy property along the numerous lives among numerous lives in our nation and now for all the world to see it's embracing and promoting anti-Semitism our own character education elected and two proves a good kind of trouble is not suited for children for example while we teach children to be honest we are spending taxpayer
015money on books by Marxist authors who lie to children while we teach children to respect authority we are spending taxpayer money on books by anti- police authors who encourage disrespect respecting officers and the dismantling of authority and the rule of law while we teach children to be kind we are spending taxpayer money on books by authors who incite hate and violence we have some awesome Educators in this District I taught alongside many of them for years who just want to do the right thing teach and provide wholesome and good materials for children and praise God for them but the fact is there are those who would rather spend their time pushing and promoting a race haate narrative to the detriment of our children's educational progress the unity within our community and the values that make
016our district strong you the Board of Trustees have the opportunity tonight to take a stand for the True Values of what Lexington 2 stands for and vote to remove this book a vote to retain is a vote to promote an organization and its harmful narrative that Purp perpetuates racial division mistrust of law enforcement anti-Semitism and the destruction of the nuclear family that is not who we are I respectfully urge you to remove a good kind of trouble written for8 to 12 year old children thank you for listening and thank you Miss sha um next I would like to welcome to the podium the Miss Kathy Jones St chair of the committee Miss Jones St please come to the podium good evening Madam chair Dr Hafner board members and guests um at this time I will
017read a summary of The District Review Committee comments um around a good kind of trouble written by Lisa Moore R I'll follow the order of the questions that the committee members were given in order to respond what is the overall purpose of this book did it accomplish that that purpose the purpose of the book is showing people to stand up for what's right yes it did the overall purpose of this book is to view the everyday life of a Young Junior High black female student it discusses relationships with her friends love life and racism the overall purpose of the book is to help kids understand that they will have friends of different cultural backgrounds and different viewpoints sometimes it will take them standing up for their beliefs and it might not be the same belief
018as their friends but they can still be friends and respect each other's differences I think the storyline accomplish that purpose the overall purpose of the book is to show the personal journey of a black student as she navigates new relationships friendships boys crushes bullies stereotypes race political conflict and personal beliefs the book accomplishes this goal shayla's story is believable and accessible to readers especially those at the middle school level the purpose is to shed a different perspective to middle school students on what it looks like to be a young black person navigating Middle School in today's world it accomplishes this purpose in the book Shayla a black Middle School student is navigating the transition to middle school and the changing social dynamics as a my minority student in a largely white school in a community
019digesting a police shooting of a black man we see her point of view as she tries to understand the role race plays in her Social Circle and her community the book does an excellent job of showing us how she reconciles the different parts of her life General acceptance of material by reviewing reviews and Consulting recommended list and awards the book has won several Awards as a Middle grades novel it was also a South Carolina book Award nominee won seven different Awards including Black Caucus of the American Library Association Scholastic teacher store website shows many teachers appreciate the book as well it introduces sensitive topics to twins about stereotyping people and standing up for what's right good reads had 6,799 ratings and 1,68 reviews with 4.26 stars these views liked its focus on identity individual uality
020race and standing up for what you believe in it focuses on a major challenge that a young person can go through growing up Amazon had 3,49 reviews and received a 4.8 out of five stars these reviews stated that this book gives insight to social issues and how to Traverse them some of these reviews refer to this book as a Coming of Age story Amilia Bloomer book list 2020 BCA laa Children and Youth diversity Awards 2021 through 2022 Walter Dean Meyers award for outstanding children's literature 2016 to 2023 notable social studies trade books for young people 2015 to 2022 Junior Library Guild selections 2012 to 2022 Elia deos ninos Elia deos libros 2013 to 2023 School library Journal best books of the year 2012 to 2022 reviews generally state that the book is suitable for upper
021elementary and middle grade students particularly those who are not quite ready for Angie Thomas's the hate you give reviews State the book is easily accessible to readers of a young age and makes big scary topics more approachable reviews say the book makes normal topics relationships crushes friendships bullies more accessible as it can help Young students see themselves in shayla's Journey five star consensus review from Common Sense Media several positive reviews from other online sources 4.8 out of five on Amazon I writing center.com kirkus reviews.com placed on the Amilia Bloomer book list in 2020 significant feminist content for young readers the book meets Library selection criteria by having appropriate language being clearly written with a divers set of viewpoints the book is relatable for many in our student body and it makes the topic more accessible
022for students who are not black reviews from book list hornbook magazine and Publishers Weekly are all highly positive with a starred recommendation from kirkus reviews School library Journal rates it as highly recommended ensure the material meet elexon School District 2 material selections guidelines this is not a required reading it does meet all guidelines policy JL States the function of the school library is to support and enrich the instructional programs of the schools the library must provide a wide range of materials with a diversity of viewpoints abilities and interest this book seems to meet the policy due to the different diversity viewpoints that it gives the book is recommended for upper elementary students grades 3 through 7 in ages 8 through 12 the language topic are age appropriate and reflect a diverse Viewpoint will reading or
023listening to this work result in a more compassionate understanding of human beings does this work offer an opportunity to understand and better appreciate the aspirations achievements and problems of different cultures Andor minority groups are questionable elements of this work an important part of the overall development of the story or text this text helps students understand the purpose of the black lives matter matter movement and explains it in a way that is easy for students to comprehend it also sheds light on what it's like to be a minority in a predominantly white school there is nothing questionable in this text and nothing inappropriate for grades 5 through 12 I believe this book means well but I'm worried about how it may polarize divide a school and or a community I am also worried about how it
024portrays the police and principal in the story it almost seems to encourage readers to go against the principal and police Authority it also calls into question our justice system and the accuracy of it several quotes that were shared these teachers need to know what's up know what I'm saying in regards to a teacher calling down a student black power well for too long people have been fed a diet about black folks about folks with brown skin making them think we're scary and that's how the police have been trained to act some people shout all lives matter and I know there against us for real the next member I definitely think so it gives a Viewpoint of these three young girls and some young guys growing up in a world that is forcing them to see
025their differences it shows compassion in the fact that although they are different and may have a difference in opinions it doesn't mean any of them are less valued than the other it shows compassion to races and shows there are issues within all Races of people I would say it does does it gives a perspective to help understand the black community in which this book focuses on but it also highlights the Asian and Latino perspectives and how their cultures are being seen as a one-size fits all it also highlights the struggle of identity at this age within cultures I would say it is it focuses on certain issues within the black community and you have to introduce the questionable elements to understand the issue this book was moving in heart warming while also bringing important issues
026to light this book talks about big subjects and breaks them down to make it easier for younger students to understand how they relate to them black students can see themselves in shayla's story and students of other races can better understand the Journey of someone they might not have previously understood including how to counteract stereotypes and appreciate differences while the book is intended for younger audiences it does touch on some sensitive topics including the black lives matter movement the blue lives matter movement political Injustice and uproar and protesting I think these topics were approached well and they served the overall purpose of the book in showing how Shaya learned about the topics as well as how they relate to her and to her world as a whole the discussion of these topics also helped students to
027better understand the feelings of those involved in those movements and how they can approach the topic to learn more the book also briefly touched on the importance of consent and how to stand up for yourself against peer pressure and pressure from adults overall the book does help the reader to become more empathetic toward others and the touchy subject to dress in the text serve a greater purpose making it an important piece of literature I would recommend the library retain the material yes a more compassionate understanding of the frustrations that some black families face yes see above I would argue no while there are some subjective viewpoints revolving around the black lives matter movement the text prioritizes the main character's development through a school year I recommend retaining the book it is very appropriate for middle
028school students handling a tough issue without sensationalism that concludes the committee's comments thank you Miss Jones stor um I'll entertain a motion at this point Miss K yes I make a motion to uphold the book committee's recommendation to retain a good kind of trouble by Lisa Moore Remy only at the middle school level and above I have a motion by Miss Kesler do I have a second second I have a second by Miss um castles board members any comments questions discussion concerns okay um there being none we'll take the vote now all those in favor of Miss Kessler's motion to retain the book of good kind of trouble at Middle School level and above signify by raising your hand and saying I I all those oppose um raise your hand and signify by saying no
029did you get that Mr strange um the vote vote is retained excuse me the book is retained with a five to2 vote at the middle school and above level um next our complainant had a a a previous engagement but still wished to go forward today so I believe we're going to contact her by phone so if the audience and those at home will give us a second um for us to get her on the line Miss Pierce hey it's Brenda hner I'm gonna put you on the speaker phone okay thank you okay we have Mrs Pierce and we are going to hear uh her information on the black front thank you um before I begin my Appeal on this book I just wanted to thank everyone for allowing me to do this review by phone
030because um my health has been pretty bad and I appreciate that so I just wanted to say thank you to all of you um so the book the black friend on being a better white person is not one of the worst books we have come across in the school libraries however it is very divisive and gives a skewed onedimensional opinion from the author who makes several blanket statements one of his statements but as a black person I speak on behalf of people of color except of those on Fox News when I say we have a white people problem comments such as this what make the book racist the comments don't stop there again he is speaking on behalf of all the non-white races to me this is also a problem because we are all One
031race and that's the human race the author of this book also feels the necess I'm sorry the necessity of making the b in the word black Capital while making the W in white lowercase he writes no matter if white person says they don't see color they are denying heritage in history again the author makes it seem anyone who is not white is a he says he assumes people heard of the black lives matter movement in the wake of the murder of trayon again make Tor statement case in about police off violent only Community he claims also matter movement police is to remind everyone that white killer C to said the author man but old divisive tactics that have been spun for a long time I don't know how old any of you are on the
032board hearing me speak out today but let me tell you someone about someone named Rodney King Rodney King was a man that was a victim of police brutality in March of 1991 he was severely beaten by officers of the Los Angeles Police Department he was driving intoxicated and on the i210 regardless he was a victim in and therapy and eventually his drinking resulted in his death in 2012 did those police officers treat him unjustly yes but does that mean all police are bad just like not person is bad person Indian Puerto Rican whatever not everyone is bad book is brain is still developing to make a decision regarding a whole race this book says it helps other white people recognize that privilege and how we should act towards different races again these conversations that the
033author feels he's having to help white people be aware of the weight they carry because the color of their skin if I was to write this book and say the white friend on being a better black person you know it wouldn't even make it to the shelves without a debate my children are biracial and my husband of 23 years is black we don't do not believe that one race is superior than another do we discuss history and culture absolutely my husband's uncle was a Tuskegee Ean and his mother has made a whole book about the positive things that the people have done on his side of the family my daughter who is 12 years old can tell you firsthand how this material hurts her she was a student at Fulmer middle school she has my
034complexion with black features she had had kids that were black make comments that they hated her because she's light-skinned it says that she's not really black and that she doesn't really know who her father is they have made physical and violent threats children who have mixed cultures shouldn't have to identify with one particular race all children should be treated as equal regardless of the color of their skin it's not denying Heritage it's not denying history books like this encourage self-segregation the book the black friend on being a better white friend relies on the stereotypes and generalization about black people in one of the examples the author claims that black people are more likely to be expressive and emotional than white people and that they have a stronger sense of community these generalizations are not only
035inaccurate but they can also be harmful as they lead people making assumptions about black people based on race it also puts the burden of educating white people about racism on black people the book ignores systematic nature of racism rather than addressing the larger system of power and privilege that perpetuates racism this can lead people to believing that racism is simply a matter of individual prejudice rather than a complex problem that is deeply rooted in our society um overall the book the black friend on being a better white friend has been criticized for its relian is on stereotypes it focuses on individual interactions rather than systematic and potentially to it's still again too difficult for younger students to understand I also want to mention this book was mentioned in the Lexington onew lawsuit that was waged
036by the South Carolina Freedom caucus and one if you'd like me to provide you with a copy of the Lexington one lawsuit that has everything outlined I can provide you with that copy on a non-biased book looks the book is rated two out of five the prop the profanity in the book is the a word seven times the NW 11 times the p word one time and the racial slur s word two times uh I just ask that this book be considered for removal because it does considered um to keep perpetuating racism thank you thank thank you Miss Pierce M Pierce you can listen two ways you can mute on your phone on your end and follow along or watch on YouTube what's your preference I will mute okay thank you thank you um again
037Miss Pierce and now the uh chair of the district committee welcome to the microphone uh Miss Emy L Todd thank you Miss Emy L Todd please come forward even Madam chair members of the board Dr Hafner and guest I do apologize I have my water with me it may be needed excuse me I will now share the compilation of feedback from our committee members what is the overall purpose of this book did it accomplish that purpose purpose to give perspective of what it's like to grow up as a black male to people who did not grow up as a black male this purpose was accomplished through Mr Douglas sharing stories that he experienced during adolescence and young adulthood he shares a story then provides information on how this situation could have been improved or handled
038differently learning Focus Prejudice and racism social awareness Frederick Joseph writes the book to teach young adults about the racism and prejudices faced by black people as well as white privilege he writes to teach others about systematic racism in society and sheds light on racism today through personal Stories the overall purpose of this book is to help non-p people of color be better white people I do not think it accomplished this particular purpose as how do we measure better in an entire group of people I do think it was helpful in having personal narratives where non-p people of color can understand what is considered offensive and divisive and what is not by contrast in the cultures of people of color I also think the author was trying to educate young non-p people of color to think
039differently and I do believe that purpose is accomplished if one reads the entire book from the back cover the author calls up race related antidotes from his past explaining why they were hurtful and how he might handle things now each chapter features the voice of at least one artist or activist the purpose would be to show perspectives from a black male concerning ing culture and social J Justice the purpose of this book is to give white people some examples of lived experiences where Frederick experienced conscious and unconscious racism and provide alternate alternate situations in which he would have been more comfortable the overall purpose of the book is to convey to the reader a hope to reach across a cultural aisle to assist in conveying the perspective as seen from the lived experience of a
040black person who is trying to help others in understanding that experience if read in its entirety and with an open mind the book does a good job of accomplishing its intended purpose it encourages white people to consider how they move through the world and their impact on a marginalized people specifically black people through their actions and biases the overall purpose of this book is to bring to light the racism and microaggressions that many black people and people of color deal with and to offer a road map of how to be aware of it and to actively reject and work against these ra racist matters the black friend accomplished this purpose drawing from interviews and firsthand accounts that many black people have encountered the purpose of this book was to give readers an insight into how
041black male perceives the ignorance of his white friends around him in regards to race and how they address racism check General acceptance of the materials by reading reviews and Consulting recommended lists and awards the reviews are split there are reviews indicating hostility because of the gall in bringing up racism there are reviews which indicate appreciation from those who recognize the importance of talking about race and racism there are reviews which indicate obliviousness of needing to talk about race and racism the book is an easy read and is written more like a conversation before excuse me between friends versus a typical novel his personal stories can be uncomfortable to some readers even though the title of the book is somewhat off-putting it is a novel on anti-racism the author breaks down his personal experiences and why
042certain things statements actions were hurtful to him and why he perceived them as racist though the author was giving his opinion on how to minimize racism some could see this as hate speech young adult ages 12 and up New York Times bestseller book list circus reviews Publishers Weekly School library Journal positive reviews that Encompass the congenial yet firm tone circus review taken through the book to speak straight to young readers and Inspire change Google says 48% like this book Goodreads and Common Sense Media both give it five stars book list starred grades 7 through 12 Joseph takes a more personal and perhaps more effective approach sharing stories from his time in school and college to provide cultural history and opportunities for reflection the author offers context when explaining white privilege cultural excuse me cultural appropriation
043power dynamics and other important important issues percus reviews October 2020 part Memoir part guide book this title explores scenarios of interpersonal and institutional struggle to introduce the next generation of white youth to anti-racism his message is that it's about becoming better and understanding how your own behavior and knowledge are critical to leveraging the change needed to overhaul oppressive systems School library Journal starred verdict a helpful commanding guide for white Americans who are ready to learn how to dismantle the system of racism specifically antiblackness and how they can change recommended for all libraries for every white person who ever wanted to do better inside this book Frederick Joseph offers you both the tools and the Chance Jacqueline Woodson winner of the Hans Christian Anderson Award with clear powerful pros and a gentle dose of humor the
044black friend is a cenal reading for anyone wishing to be a part of a better world I absolutely loved this book Julian clam New York Times bestselling author ensure materials meet the Lexington School District 2 material selection guidelines I did not read anything that I would view as inappropriate for middle or High School readers it meets the selection guidelines for the district there is some language but it is appropriate for middle school and beyond for learning this book provides view viewpoints from the author an African-American male along with multiple other influential Black authors artists playwrights and actors the topics covered in this book are up to date and include information on how the black community dealt with coid and beliefs surrounding Co the language is appropriate for the recommended audience there is a high degree
045of readability and includes an encyclopedia of racism in the back along with a playlist and recommended reading for more information this book meets the Lexington School District 2's material selection guideline by meeting the expectations and values of the school's Community being that it is anti-racist and diverse and promoting appropriate divers diversification of viewpoints by providing firsthand narrative on lived experiences and it is a tool for growth the black friend was also added to the collection based on the recommendation of the following unbiased and professional resource reviews book list C excuse me carcass Publishers Weekly and school library Journal as suggested by The District's material selection guidelines as the guidelines read the function of the school library is to support and enrich the instructional program of the school the libraries must provide a broad range of
046materials with a diversity of viewpoints abilities and interests I believe the black friend supports the diversity of viewpoints and will be a resource for a more empathetic and peaceful school and Community I found no glaring objection to highlight book is not educational in the sense of writing and math but it can be seen as educational to those who are going through similar situations weigh the value and faults of the materials against each other and form opinions based on the material as a whole not on passages pulled out of context will reading or listening to this work result in a more compassionate understanding of human beings if a person read or listened to this book in its entirety and with an open mind there could be more understanding of a cultural perspective the book is to
047be read from how the author perceives yes it sheds light on systematic racism in our society and gives young adults a picture of prejudicial matters reading this book in its entirety should result in a more compassionate understanding of human beings there are bits of division sprinkled through out but the author brings it all back around in the end while I can see where non people of color would be offended by grouping all white people into one group being labeled racist I do believe the author is honestly trying to educate all people on how to be better humans this book offers an insight into a black person's point of view on what he considered to be racist whether it was intentional or not yet yes this author describes events in his life that exemplify experiences that
048he has dealt with with people from other cultures and races excuse me races he gives ideas about how to deal with others and explains his thinking Frederick Joseph shares antidotes from his own life and the hurtful impact of non-bl non-black primarily white folks within his life and the impact they had on him in the future it encourages the reader to reflect on how they navigate this world and unconscious bias they may carry reading the black friend will certainly result in a more compassionate understanding of others especially for non-black students this book offers a walk in someone else's shoes with the author's lived experiences and journey at the Forefront of the text one can't help but find compassion and empathy when they are able to see into someone else's hardships and experiences with racism firsthand yes
049this book has enhanced my understanding of how Mr Douglas has experienced racism and will certainly help me as an adult take more time to consider the words and actions I choose when interacting with others around me who are different than me this book allows students this type of compassionate understanding as well does this work offer an opportunity to understand and better appreciate the aspirations achievements and problems of different cultures and or minority groups yes the personal stories from Joseph's life allows readers to clearly understand the negative impacts that words actions and Views have on those around them specifically with minority groups yes again the book needs to be taken from the author's perspective not the reader's perspective seek to understand not to be understood Steven cvy this selection definitely occur excuse me offers many opportunities
050to understand different cultures and minority groups yes the entire book Works to explain the beliefs and problems that people from different cultures and races experience yes this book does offer insight into a black person's point of view on his perception of things that are said daily that could be hurtful and considered racist this book certainly offers the opportunity to appreciate and better understand the problems that many people of color endure especially black people while also highlighting their culture's contributions and achievements through Fric Joseph's voice the reader gains a clear understanding of the subtle and not so subtle racism black people experienced this book gives the reader the ability to see what they might never experience firsthand in a conversational and humorous way while also helping them to look inward to resist these form forms of
051unconscious and conscious racism acts within themselves hands down this book provides the opportunity for empathy since it's told through the lenss of someone's personal experiences likely experiences that some of our students are facing are questionable elements of this work an important part of the overall development of the story or text I do believe the questionable elements are necessary to receive the main idea the author is trying to get across to the reader he uses personal stories of racism and his thoughts on the situation to explain his thoughts and actions it certainly could be construed as offensive to some but I do believe it educates and could help people of color and non-p people of color begin to dialogue and come together in unity and mutual respect yes all of these events are important in giving
052examples of how to treat someone from different backgrounds and races and how they feel when others say or do something that offends them the book needs to be read in its entirety to understand any and all questionable elements there are no questionable elements in this work it's not a required to read students and adults interested in this topic can seek this book out as a resource I do not see questionable elements in the overall text uncomfortable truth truths perhaps but overall they are necessary and grasping the full effect of what the author is saying racism is and should be an uncomfortable topic to discuss but I believe the message is p portrayed with patience Grace and a direct but loving and humorous tone some students won't be open to the ideas presented in this book
053but I believe that it could be a valuable tool for understanding empathy and Rec and Reconciliation for those that are I believe that the title of this book is the most questionable questionable component of the book if you're reading it with no context after reading the book in its entirety it's clear that the title is intended to be catchy so that one might be curious enough to read it I found nothing questionable with the content of the book since Mr Douglas took the time to explain his points and any ideas that may otherwise be misconstrued the outcome of our committee's vote was unanimous to retain the book this concludes our committee's feedback thank you Excuse me yes ma' thank thank you very much um at this time um I'll entertain a motion Miss Kesler motion
054to uphold the book committee's recommendation to retain the black friend on being a better white Friend by Frederick Joseph at the high school level okay I have a motion by Miss Kessler do I have a second second second by Miss castles board members any questions comments discussion concerns and I see Miss Rucker thank you madam chair Dr Hafner I just wanted to mention as we continue the book audit it would be good to make sure that the links that are referenced in these books do not lead to any sexual content or sexual images because sometimes there's links okay thank you Miss Rucker oh thank you Miss Rucker um any other questions comments concerns board members if not um all those in favor of Miss Kessler's vote um excuse me motion to retain signify by saying
055I and raising your hand I all those oppose um signify by raising your hand and saying no and so that is going to be retained vote four to three um with that I thank everyone for coming this evening uh for those of you at home or in the audience who took time to to read books and email us your thoughts I really appreciate that I know all board members do love hearing from people and uh we do take your comments and thoughts that you send us into consideration as well I thank the board members for your hard work in reading books and um reviewing packets and coming to all of these meetings um thank the complainants for bringing some things to our attention thank the Committees for your hard work and the time that y'all
056have dedicated um out of your schedules for this process and appreciate all of you coming this evening and with that Miss K entertain a motion to adjourn I make a motion that we adjourn second adjourn by Miss Kesler and second by Mr Bray all those in favor signify by saying I I oppose motion carries We Stand adjourned thank you