Bay County Public Schools Committee Votes to Keep These 5 Challenged Books

July 30, 2024

by Janet Pattison

BAY COUNTY, FL - The Bay County Public Schools Book Challenge Committee convened on July 29, 2024, to review and discuss formal objections raised against five book titles. The committee, comprised of school employees and a parent, evaluated the concerns and recommended these books remain in the school libraries.

Elementary Schools

The first book under scrutiny was "Julian is a Mermaid," with the objector stating that it contains depictions of Drag and alternate gender ideologies, introducing the idea that a preschool-age boy can easily become a girl and wear pretty dresses. This book received the 2019 Stonewall Book Award. The Stonewall Book Award is a set of three literary awards that annually recognize "exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender experience" in English-language books published in the U.S. The Author, Jessica Love, states on her website, “Lastly, I will say that as a part of my accountability practices I use a portion of my income from Julián is a Mermaid to support Black Lives Matter, Stacey Abrams' excellent work with FairFight2020, The Okra Project and wherever I can I try to help bring authors and illustrators who are far less represented in the publishing industry to the attention of my editors, publishers, agent and the larger reading public.”

Another book being challenged was "Marvin Redpost: Is He a Girl?," which allegedly contains references to switching genders and promotes the idea that a boy can easily become a girl if he exhibits certain behaviors or interests. The Author, Louis Sachar’s website states the book is about, “A lighthearted look at the mysterious differences between the sexes. “ The author’s website did not note any literary awards for this book.

High Schools

Three books discussed at the high school level were "Pumpkinheads", "When I Was the Greatest" and "All American Boys".

The outcome of this meeting determined whether these books will remain in Bay County Public Schools or be removed from circulation. This recommendation goes to the Superintendent of Schools for approval.

Here is the list of books that were challenged in 2023-2024 from the Bay District Schools website.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vQnG1_0sJJQn-KsM60cDkkPo5RDUW6mLNQO5QRpjEqFaIieoH3zNDHnJ5IuakGvOTc6EP8u5gtgch6E/pubhtml?gid=0&single=true

Parents and county residents can view school library collections by going to bayschools.follettdestiny.com . School library collections are searchable under the "catalog" tab.

Parents and guardians can opt-out of student access to Library Media materials at any time by contacting their school media specialist.

Review district policy here: https://www.bdstechandmedia.com/media-services