http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/gwinnett/stories/04014gwxpotter.html
More proof that no matter how far we've come there's always this sort of thing to let us know that we still have a ways to go yet. It's a fuckin' kids book. Let it go.
Gwinnett parent wants Harry Potter off shelves
By LAURA DIAMOND
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/14/06
"Move over Lord Voldemort. Harry Potter has a new foe.
A Gwinnett County parent wants the popular Harry Potter series removed from all school libraries in the state's largest school district.
Laura Mallory, who has three children at J.C. Magill Elementary in Loganville, is asking the school board to make Harry and his friends disappear. On Thursday, Associate Superintendent Cindy Loe told board members a hearing on Mallory's request will take place April 20.
Mallory, a mother of four, said she hasn't read any of the Potter books in their entirety. She read portions of a few of the books, she said, and was offended by descriptions of demonic activity.
"My personal religious views don't agree with these books," said Mallory, a missionary who moved to Gwinnett about two years ago. "We need for our children to read things that teach good morals. Harry Potter lies, cheats and steals and there is no accountability. There are better things for our children to be reading."
Mallory first challenged the book in September at her children's school, saying the books glorified witchcraft.
Review panels from Magill Elementary and the school district already have ruled that the books should remain on the shelves.
A hearing officer will preside over next week's appeal. A transcript then will be given to the board, which will decide on the request within 10 days. The decision may be appealed to the state education board.
Students may check out the books while the system handles the complaint, school spokeswoman Sloan Roach said. Parents can request their children be prohibited from taking out any particular books, she said.
In the disputed books, Harry is a boy who is discovering his powers as a wizard. Death, potions and curses play a role in the series. The stories also emphasize friendship, loyalty and good attempting to triumph over evil."
More proof that no matter how far we've come there's always this sort of thing to let us know that we still have a ways to go yet. It's a fuckin' kids book. Let it go.
Gwinnett parent wants Harry Potter off shelves
By LAURA DIAMOND
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/14/06
"Move over Lord Voldemort. Harry Potter has a new foe.
A Gwinnett County parent wants the popular Harry Potter series removed from all school libraries in the state's largest school district.
Laura Mallory, who has three children at J.C. Magill Elementary in Loganville, is asking the school board to make Harry and his friends disappear. On Thursday, Associate Superintendent Cindy Loe told board members a hearing on Mallory's request will take place April 20.
Mallory, a mother of four, said she hasn't read any of the Potter books in their entirety. She read portions of a few of the books, she said, and was offended by descriptions of demonic activity.
"My personal religious views don't agree with these books," said Mallory, a missionary who moved to Gwinnett about two years ago. "We need for our children to read things that teach good morals. Harry Potter lies, cheats and steals and there is no accountability. There are better things for our children to be reading."
Mallory first challenged the book in September at her children's school, saying the books glorified witchcraft.
Review panels from Magill Elementary and the school district already have ruled that the books should remain on the shelves.
A hearing officer will preside over next week's appeal. A transcript then will be given to the board, which will decide on the request within 10 days. The decision may be appealed to the state education board.
Students may check out the books while the system handles the complaint, school spokeswoman Sloan Roach said. Parents can request their children be prohibited from taking out any particular books, she said.
In the disputed books, Harry is a boy who is discovering his powers as a wizard. Death, potions and curses play a role in the series. The stories also emphasize friendship, loyalty and good attempting to triumph over evil."
