Book bans have become a crucial issue in our increasingly fragile democracy. Under the guise of enforcing “community standards” and “protecting children,” a new cultural fundamentalism has emerged that has altered public and school library collections, closed libraries entirely, and changed what Americans are taught.

A main organization fueling the book ban crisis is Moms for Liberty, whose 11 WA chapters include one in Kitsap County. Kitsap’s “X” feed proclaims: “No school board, no superintendent, no teacher, no policymaker has the right to railroad our parent rights…No law supersedes the natural rights of a parent when it comes to raising their child. Public education has become the white van our parents warned us about, with the creepy predator in the front seat asking our children if they’d like a piece of candy.”

Removed are countless books that address sexual, gender, and racial identity. Threatened is the privacy between students, teachers, and counselors that enables young people to discuss who they are, report incidents of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and seek help and intervention.

In its place are thrust rigid constraints, absolutes, and lists of banned “woke” books. The very claim that some LGBTQ+ or BIPOC author has written a book that might “groom” or “indoctrinate” children is enough to have it removed and its author excoriated.

Composition of local school boards that put their stamp on school library collections and set selection policy is crucial. With school board elections approaching in Port Townsend and Quilcene, the recent League of Women Voters school board candidate forums made most positions clear.

All Port Townsend school board candidates participated [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo78etpoy7Q].

Simon Little (District 2), Matt Klontz (District 3), and Nathanael O’Hara (District 5) impressed as honest, aware, and committed to learning.

Klontz acknowledged that the realities of American history may be unsettling for some students, but we must allow them to ask questions and voice opinions. Students should know they can think independently, even if their opinions run counter to the majority.

Little stressed that our county’s diversity needs to be reflected in the curriculum, and O’Hara emphasized the importance of a curriculum where minority kids can see themselves reflected in their studies.

 Nancy Papasodora (District 3), who has fostered nine children, stressed the importance of positive role models and creating a better environment for children, but confessed she had research about the school board left to do.

Tim Hawley (District 5), who trumpeted his championship of fossil fuels, wanted equal time for both sides of the story. Everyone should have an equal platform, and parents should have more say in opting out of uncomfortable subjects. He referred to a 1908 code of ethics that he forgot to bring with him to and refused to adhere to time limits. As a positive role model, he came up short.

Matters appear less rosy in Quilcene [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD6hH53pf4s]. Anne Bessey (At large, District 4), a retired nurse and school volunteer, stressed the importance of listening with respect while her opponent, former teacher / bandleader James Hodgson, said he likes to follow the successes of our Founding Fathers and use their wisdom.

Bessey noted that the Founding Fathers were slaveholders, and that history must be taught with truth. When, out of the blue, Hodgson began condemning transgender surgeries, Bessey countered that gender-affirming care is a private matter and not relevant to a school board discussion. For District 4, Bessey is the clear choice.

Ron Franz (District 1) didn’t show and did not respond to my email. His opponent, Ronald Leon Jones, was limited by LWV rules to opening and closing statements but answered an email with paraphrased forum questions. When asked, “Should books on LGBTQ subjects be available in the library?” he cited state code prohibiting “erotic material” on school grounds.

When asked, “Should Parental rights take precedence over what teachers and administrators and school boards decide?” Franz again cited state code. “The state recognizes the fundamental importance of the parent-child relationship…” he wrote. “To the best of my knowledge, there is not an equivalent assignment to the state or its agency (the school.)”

When I noted that school counselors, state agencies and courts often intervene in cases of abuse, he did not respond. For District 1, Quilcene voters seem stuck between a rock and hard place.

Jason Victor Serinus whistled Puccini as “The Voice of Woodstock” in “She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown.” He currently reviews music, culture, and audio in the U.S. and abroad.