Challenged Materials

Challenged Materials / Intellectual Freedom

Troup County media specialists support in principle the Library Bill of Rights adopted by the American Library Association.

When learning resources are challenged, the principles of the freedom to read, listen, and view must be defended as well.

RECONSIDERATION PROCESS
Despite the quality of the selection process, there will likely be occasional objections to materials. In these instances, the principles of the freedom to read should be defended rather than the specific material objected to. (see Policies KNBA and KNBA-E )

If a complaint is made, the following procedures should be followed:

1    - Listen courteously to the complainant but make no commitments. Inform the complainant of the selection procedures and policies of the system.

2    - Invite the complainant to submit a formal request for reconsideration. Advise him of the system's procedures for reconsideration of materials.

3    - Notify the appropriate administrator of the complaint.

4    - Remove the challenged materials from the shelf during the reconsideration process.

5    - Upon receipt of a written complaint, the principal shall request review of the challenged material within 15 working days by a materials review committee.

6    - The review committee takes the following steps: (See checklist which follows)

a.    Reads or examines the challenged material
b.    Checks general acceptance of the material by reading reviews
c.    Determines the extent to which the material supports the curriculum
d.    Forms an opinion based on the content as a whole
e.    Meets to discuss the material and prepare a report on it
f.    Files a report in the school and administrative offices
g.    Meets with the complainant and presents the decision of the committee

7    - If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision of the review committee, he may appeal to a system-wide materials review committee to be appointed by the superintendent.

8    - The complainant may appeal to the Board of Education, who will render a final decision, if the system-wide committee cannot settle the matter.