Superintendent Addley Doesn't Believe These Images are "Obscene"
In response to our article Controversial DHS Library Books May be in Violation of District Policy, Darien Superintendent Dr. Alan Addley was quoted in a Connecticut Centennial article. Per the article (emphasis ours):
He [Addley] also does not believe that the content in question meets the criteria for being considered "obscene" and therefore does not violate any school policy. While he said the Board of Education is continuing to review its policy on the review of instructional materials, he noted “I respect the concerns of parents about these difficult topics. While clearly not all books are for all students, it is important that all students are represented in the library collection.” The books in question can still be accessed through the high school library.
DPS's Policy Regarding Student Use of the District's Computer Systems and Internet Safety (Series 5000-Student Policy 5300) defines obscene as the below. It appears this imagery would fall under "prohibited sexual act" under erotic fondling, sexual excitement, and masturbation.
While we believe those three actions are clear in the book excerpts, we will let Darien parents decide for themselves with the below screenshots.
Gender Queer: Does Dr. Addley really believe the graphic imagery of two individuals engaging in oral sex (a "prohibited sexual act" under DPS policy defined by "erotic fondling" and "sexual excitement") is not obscene? What educational value does Dr. Addley believe this text has?
Flamer: Does Dr. Addley really believe that group masturbation by 9th grade boys (a "prohibited sexual act" under DPS policy defined by "masturbation" and "sexual excitement") who ejaculate into a soda bottle and then drink the semen is not obscene? What educational value does Dr. Addley believe this book has? Why is he supportive of a DHS Library book depicting 14 year old boys engaging in unsanitary and unhealthy sexual practices? Surely, consuming the semen of multiple sex partners isn't taught as a best practice in high school health classes.
Call to action!
Do you disagree with Superintendent Dr. Addley and believe this content is obscene? If yes, your opinion matters! In order for change to happen, our elected representatives need to hear from us. Please find a sample letter below to send to the Board of Education. A single email will make a difference!
Email the Board Members below (from your email, not the form at the bottom of this page):
ddineen@darienps.org, jmccammon@darienps.org, sparent@darienps.org, klublin@darienps.org, dmaroney@darienps.org, dbrown@darienps.org, jsini@darienps.org, jbest@darienps.org, twurm@darienps.org
Subject: Obscene content in our schools
Dear Board of Education Members:
I am concerned about obscene materials in our school libraries. While parents should be free to choose what books their children read at home, sexually explicit content should not be available to high schoolers and middle schoolers in their school libraries. Please do your duty to promote academic excellence and to ensure the best for our children. Dr. Addley might not believe this content is obscene, but Darien Parents certainly do! Please help us and do what's best for our children and community.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Insert Name]
[Insert Street Address]
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