Western Placer Teachers Association (WPTA) and concerned community members successfully pushed back when the Western Placer Unified School District (WPUSD) school board called a special meeting in March to consider banning the book, “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas. Board members were considering adopting a resolution directing ninth grade English teachers to stop using the book and choose another. The book was approved for the freshman English curriculum last year.

With the help of CTA, WPTA members addressed the board. Some discussed the time local education professionals spend reviewing, studying, and recommending books that enhance students’ education. WPTA members understand every book is not meant for every student. However, they want the board to understand that doesn’t mean a particular book is not for any student. They added that parents may have rights regarding what their own kids read, but those rights don’t extend to what the kids of others read.

While the school board chose not to take action, leaders realized they need to protect WPTA members’ academic freedom rights and their ability to provide all students an inclusive and diverse curriculum.