Discussion about ‘age appropriateness’ of certain resources in school libraries continues at school board

Another motion regarding a Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) library review was rejected at Monday night’s school board meeting.

The motion, presented by Cambridge school board trustee Cindy Watson, requested a review into the age appropriateness of books in school libraries.  

“I am bringing this motion forward based on multiple complaints from parents and community members. This is part of the duty of a trustee,” Watson said.  

“I have read emails and taken phone calls about age appropriateness. There are concerns that there may be inconsistencies between the provincial curriculum guidelines for sexual health and books in school libraries.”

At a WRDSB meeting in January, schoolteacher Carolyn Burjoski was removed from the meeting while presenting her concerns about specific books in school libraries and suggesting they are inappropriate for children of a certain age. 

Since then, Watson said that the provincial curriculum guidelines may not apply in school libraries and the community would like more information and reassurance that sexual health curriculum guidelines apply in school libraries.

“I hope trustees can support this motion to help build understanding and provide clarity for parents and community members that have concerns,” Watson said.

Trustee Karen Meissner said that even the use of the term "age appropriateness" can be harmful.  

“This phrase is often used to question the identity of Two-Spirit Youth and LGBTQ2+ people and it is harmful because it suggests that those who identify as Two-Spirit Youth and LGBTQ2+, are not age appropriate. So, this phrase undermines the humanity of those folks,” Meissner said.  

She went on to explain how libraries are spaces where students explore, where they learn about others, different cultures, places, and topics that interest them.

"Libraries are spaces where students are connected to learning and to literacy."

“I think that we have skilled learning and library staff that curate the collections in our libraries. They are experts in understanding the books that are available to students. I can’t support the motion,” Meissner said.

Trustee Jayne Herring said the motion does not support the needs of every student.

“It can be harmful for some of our students. If families have a concern, they should speak with the school’s principal. This is more appropriate because not everyone’s concerns might be the same,” Herring said.

“I have never in four years, received a single complaint that even resembles this. So I will not be supporting this.”

Trustee Crystal Whetham and Mike Ramsay were the only other trustees in support of Watson’s motion.

“Trustee Watson has identified that there are parents that have issues,” Ramsay said.

“We must keep in mind that regardless of how we feel, we have a shared public duty to all of our students.”

Trustee Joanne Weston questioned the focus of the motion.

“The age appropriateness issue makes me wonder about books regarding all relationships or is it just LGBTQ2+ relationships that are a concern. Is this about all children understanding their bodies and feelings or just LGBTQ2+ children?” Weston said.

“I know that there are books in our libraries that deal with how heterosexual children feel about themselves and their bodies. I have never heard an objection to any of those books. We need to make sure books are available to all students to help them with their relationships and understanding who they are and their feelings.”

Trustee Watson said she hoped that trustees would support her motion.

“This has nothing to do with any particular group, or any particular child. We have all received lots of e-mails about that phrase, 'age appropriateness,'” Watson said.

“This is about building understanding and providing information about what is being taught in the classroom.”