In Penfield, New York, a vibrant debate has ignited among parents regarding a book available to elementary school students that some describe as inappropriate. The book, titled “The Rainbow Parade,” features a storyline about a girl attending an LGBTQ pride parade but has raised alarms due to its graphic illustrations. Critics point out that some imagery, which includes depictions of nudity and bondage gear, is unsuitable for children as young as five.
Jennifer Selever, a concerned parent, shared that the book was brought home by her daughter, which led to her raising serious concerns. She vehemently stated, “This is soft pornography. It’s inexcusable why it’s in the system for elementary school kids and I want it gone.” Selever emphasized that while she supports the message of inclusivity the story conveys, she finds the accompanying illustrations deeply troubling. “My problem is with the photos,” she noted, expressing that any explicit content has no place in children’s literature.
The images in question have not only alarmed Selever but also sparked a gathering of like-minded parents who recently pressed the Penfield Central School District to take action. They voiced their opinions during a school board meeting, urging the board to prioritize education over what they labeled as indoctrination regarding gender fluidity. Selever pointedly remarked, “Your main topic is to talk about gender fluidity with these kids and ideology when they are underperforming and their academic achievements are down.”
However, the meeting did not go as some parents had hoped. As tensions rose, School Board President Dr. Emily Roberts attempted to maintain order, reiterating the need to adhere to existing policies for objecting to learning materials. Unfortunately, the board faced disruption from the audience, leading to a recess amid discontent. In the aftermath, while board members expressed a readiness to listen to parental concerns and review the book’s place in the library, they emphasized the necessity of following proper procedures.
Superintendent Tasha Potter conveyed the school district’s intention to form a review committee to address the formal objections raised against “The Rainbow Parade.” She remarked, “It’s the ‘how’ of the policy,” suggesting that while changes could eventually happen, the process is designed to ensure thorough examination of the matter. In the meantime, public comments regarding learning materials have been temporarily paused in an effort to restore a constructive environment.
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