Idaho school district puts book back on list after complaints

BOISE – The West Ada School District in southwest Idaho has put a National Book Award-winning novel back in its curriculum after removing it six months ago amid parent complaints.

Trustees voted unanimously on Tuesday to add “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie to a supplemental reading list that teachers can use.

Parents will have to give permission for children to read the book, and instruction will be limited to small groups. Also, the book can’t be read aloud because students who haven’t received parental permission might hear it.

“We have protected the right of those who are pro or those who are con to choose,” said Mike Vuittonet, board chairman. “The freedom to pick and choose – that’s what our country is based on.”

The novel is narrated by a 14-year-old whose transfer makes him the only Native American in an all-white school. Objections are based on discussions of sex, abuse and alcoholism, and on racist or profane statements from some characters.

A committee of five district residents and 10 educators who reviewed the high school portion of the reading list made the recommendations to the trustees.

“The themes in the book are timeless – the search for identity, conflict within one’s own culture, poverty, hope,” said committee chair and West Ada Language Arts Curriculum Coordinator Laura Gilchrist. “The book is not anti-Christian.”

Committee member and mother Elizabeth Hume said children will someday enter the world and “dealing with those issues in a responsible way is important.”

Sharon Blair said the book violates her Christian values. She complained about the book and said she would continue to do so when the district again considers additions or deletions to the supplemental list.