Police Chief Apologizes for Middle School LGBTQ Book Search in MA
TL/DR –
A police officer in Massachusetts searched a middle school for a banned book, “Gender Queer: A Memoir,” after the police department received a complaint about “concerning illustrations” in the book which depict LGBTQ sexual experiences. The incident occurred at W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School, prompting an apology from the police chief for the department’s involvement. The book, which is about gender identity, has been banned from other school districts and libraries in the US following similar debates.
Massachusetts Police Chief Apologizes for School Book Search
A Massachusetts police chief has apologized following an officer’s search in a middle school for a copy of “Gender Queer: A Memoir,” an illustrated book on gender identity banned in some districts.
The search occurred at W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School on Dec. 8 after Great Barrington Police Department received a complaint about “concerning illustrations,” as reported by Boston.com.
The complainant allegedly provided an image of illustrated characters performing sexual acts. Both the police department and school district have yet to comment.
Police Chief Paul Storti stated the department felt obligated to examine the complaint further due to its nature. In a Facebook post, Storti apologized for any negative impact caused by their involvement.
“Gender Queer: A Memoir,” by nonbinary author Maia Kobabe has been controversial due to a few graphic illustrations depicting LGBTQ sexual experiences. The book was banned by multiple districts and libraries, including Brevard Public Schools in Florida and Wake County Public Libraries in North Carolina.
Kobabe defended the book in an NBC News interview, stating its graphics are essential for young individuals questioning their sexuality or gender.
Berkshire Hills Regional School District Superintendent Peter Dillon and School Committee Chair Stephen Bannon have also apologized for the incident’s handling and pledged to refine and support existing policies, particularly for vulnerable populations. The incident will also be discussed further in a Jan. 11 School Committee meeting.
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