Unanimous Carroll school board vote bans ‘sexually explicit’ materials

The Carroll County Board of Education unanimously voted Wednesday night to approve a policy change that bans all library books and instructional materials that include “sexually explicit” content from public schools. The updated policy defines sexually explicit content as, “unambiguously describing, depicting, showing, or writing about sex or sex acts in a detailed or graphic manner.”

Board member Steve Whisler, who in October introduced a motion to direct school system staff to update the policy, urged colleagues on Wednesday to pass the altered policy. He said the inclusion of books that depict sexual activity in schools is, “disturbing.”

The board’s student representative, Sahithya Sudhakar, who does not have voting rights, said the policy is ambiguous and not clear. Sudhakar is a senior at Liberty High School. Community members who provided feedback to the board on the policy change made similar comments, according to board member Patricia Dorsey, saying the definition is vague and too broad to be implemented.

“One person’s version of graphic is not the same as another,” Sudhakar said.

Before voting to approve the policy language, board member Tara Battaglia said the policy may be vague, but it is important to not allow sexual content in schools, and board member Donna Sivigny said the intent of the policy is clear and the definition supports the board’s intent.

Board of Education President Marsha Herbert, who also voted for the policy change, commented that defining “sexually explicit content” is not an easy task.