Patrons commended for stepping up

Dear Editor,

I would like to commend Travis Janssen and Clayton Huseman for addressing their concerns to the USD 327 Board of Education, concerning a book which was recommended reading for eighth grade students. It is my understanding the book has been removed. I would also like to commend the Independent-Reporter for reporting the comments of both Mr. Janssen and Mr. Huseman in a fair manner. I believe it is very important for USD 327 patrons to know about curriculum taught, both positive and negative.

I am curious why Mr. Janssen was not quoted completely, allowing our patrons to know exactly what was controversial about the book, enabling them to come to their own conclusions. I have personally read the excerpt, and I believe, due to the strong sexual content, the Independent-Reporter was not willing to put the excerpt read by Mr. Janssen in print. Correct me if I am wrong?

I guess in closing, if this book has sexually explicit content not appropriate for the general public to read, do we want our 8th grade students reading this? I would like to thank the many patrons, willing to step up, to protect our children.

Martin J. Sauers

Rural Ellsworth County