A Petition for Transparency in Media Content Provided by the School District of Columbia County, Georgia

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED PARENTS AND TAXPAYERS OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, GEORGIA:

UNDERSTAND THAT

- The Columbia County School District current Media Policy states that "The Columbia County School District accepts the obligation to provide for a wide range of abilities and to respect the diversity considered in meeting this obligation."

- Media Centers and Teacher Libraries currently contain the book "Drama" by Raina Telgemeier, which contains overtly homosexual themes. 

- When brought to the County's attention, the County has ruled that this book qualifies as "diverse" reading material and may remain in school Media Centers and Teacher Libraries.

BELIEVE THAT

- Homosexuality, along with general sexuality and transgender ideology, are sensitive topics that are best addressed at home.

- All schools in Columbia County should be required to inform parents that these topics are present in Media Centers and Teacher Libraries BEFORE children have access to them

REQUEST THAT

- Items containing themes on sexuality, homosexuality, and/or transgender ideology be removed from Media Centers and Teacher Libraries

- If items are not removed, the County embraces a spirit of transparency and adds the following text to the current County Media Policy:

"The Columbia County School District hereby informs parents that Media Centers and Teacher Libraries may provide material containing sensitive topics such as sexuality, homosexuality, and/or transgender ideology."

SIGNED: PARENTS AND TAXPAYERS OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, GEORGIA

Katharine L. Allen    Contact the author of the petition