Inconsistent Implementation of SB 775: The Impact on School Districts and Students
Missouri Senate Bill (SB) 775, signed into law in 2022, aimed to regulate the content available to students in schools by restricting access to certain books and materials deemed explicit or inappropriate. However, its implementation has been inconsistent across various Missouri school districts, leading to confusion and controversy. One prominent example is the Rockwood School District, which has retained books with graphic images that other districts have removed.
SB 775 was designed to provide guidance for schools regarding age-appropriate materials and to ensure a safe and nurturing learning environment. However, the vague language of the bill has given school districts room for interpretation, resulting in discrepancies in enforcement. While some districts have removed all books containing graphic images or explicit content, others, such as the Rockwood School District, have opted to maintain some of them in their libraries.
This inconsistency has led to confusion among educators, students, and parents, as they struggle to understand the parameters of the bill and its applicability. In turn, this has created an atmosphere of uncertainty, with some questioning whether the legislation is being applied fairly and equitably across all school districts.
The inconsistent application of SB 775 also opens the door for potential legal challenges. Opponents of the legislation may argue that the uneven enforcement violates students' rights to equal access to educational resources, while supporters may contest the interpretation of the bill by school districts like Rockwood.
To mitigate these issues, it is essential for the state to provide clearer guidance to school districts on the implementation of SB 775. Establishing specific criteria for determining age-appropriate materials, offering training to educators, and creating a standardized review process for contested books can help ensure a more uniform approach across all districts. Such measures can ultimately lead to a more equitable educational experience for students and alleviate the concerns of parents and educators alike.
Books not Removed by the Rockwood School District
This Book is Gay is a non-fiction book written by Juno Dawson. The book provides an exploration and celebration of LGBTQ+ identities, history, and culture. It was removed from the North Kansas City School District in response to SB 775.
This Book is Gay (page 200)
The Low, Low Woods, written by Carmen Maria Machado and illustrated by Dani Strips, is a chilling and atmospheric graphic novel set in the eerie, declining mining town of Shudder-to-Think, Pennsylvania. It was removed from the Wentzville School District in response to SB 775.
The Low, Low Woods (page 71)
milk and honey by Rupi Kaur is a collection of poetry that explores themes of love, loss, trauma, and healing. The book is divided into four sections, each of which explores different aspects of the human experience through vivid and evocative imagery. It was removed from the Kirkwood and Webster Groves School Districts in response to SB 775.
milk and honey (page 13)
Slaughterhouse-Five: The Graphic Novel, adapted by Ryan North and illustrated by Albert Monteys, is a visual retelling of Kurt Vonnegut's classic anti-war novel, Slaughterhouse-Five. This graphic novel reimagines the story of Billy Pilgrim, a World War II veteran who becomes "unstuck in time" after experiencing the horrific firebombing of Dresden, Germany. It was removed from the Wentzville School District in response to SB 775.
Slaughterhouse-Five: The Graphic Novel (page 142)
Last Man: The Royal Cup, written by Bastien Vivès, Michael Sanlaville, and Balak, is the second volume in the Last Man graphic novel series. The story takes place in the fantastical world of Paxtown, where a prestigious martial arts tournament called the Royal Cup is held. It was removed from the Wentzville School District in response to SB 775.
Last Man: The Royal Cup (page 188)