May 24—CHEYENNE — The decision on a policy aimed at preventing books containing “sexually explicit content” from entering Laramie County School District 1 libraries has been postponed.
A legal notice from LCSD1 announced that final action on the addition to the library materials selection/purchase process would take place on June 3. However, LCSD1 officials told WTE on Friday that the decision will no longer be made during the upcoming administration. of the trustees meeting.
Due to a discrepancy in one of the documents posted for the public to view and comment on, the decision was made to correct the error and return the document to the public for another 45 day review period.
A decision on purchasing policy will be made at the first meeting after the 45-day period ends on July 18.
It was unclear Friday what the discrepancy in the document was that led to the decision to extend the review. LCSD1 Superintendent Stephen Newton was unavailable for comment as three high school graduations were held Friday.
Five months after the board adopted an “opt-in” access policy for library materials, with a process for nominating books found in LCSD1 as “sexually explicit,” this policy addresses how the district purchase of new materials for school. libraries.
According to a document from the website showing the new procurement language, the policy states that “library materials selected for elementary schools, whether free or purchased, will not contain sexually explicit content.”
The language is slightly different for those outside of grade school: “Librarians will attempt to select materials, free or purchased, that do not contain sexually explicit content.” It also states that any content that meets state and federal definitions of pornography or obscenity will not be allowed in the district.
Another aspect of the draft stipulated that “a rolling list of all library materials to be purchased will be maintained on the district website and updated at least once a month.” Similar to the current district policy, parents would be able to nominate books on that list for review for sexual content if the policy is approved.
Those wishing to provide feedback on the issue can submit it on the district website, laramie1.org, or by email to rebecca.gill@laramie1.org.
Noah Zahn is the local government and business reporter for the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. He can be reached at 307-633-3128 or nzahn@wyomingnews.com. Follow him on X @NoahZahnn.
