REDLANDS, Calif. — A graphic novel discovered in a school library sparked debate among Redlands Unified school board members this week, exposing deep divisions over censorship, oversight and how books enter district libraries.
At the center of the discussion was “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe, an award-winning graphic memoir that one board member described as containing sexually explicit illustrations and references inappropriate for students. The book had recently been added to a school library but had not yet been checked out, according to district officials.
Why it matters: The debate reflects ongoing national and local tensions over school library content, parental oversight and who should decide what students can access. The outcome could reshape how materials—especially donated books—are screened and approved across the district.
Details: Board member Candy Olson, who requested the agenda item, said the discovery revealed a gap in the district’s oversight process.
“We don’t have a procedure or a policy to indicate how books get into the library,” Olson said. “The principal had no idea that this was in the library. Our superintendent had no idea this was in the library, and it just magically appears.”
Olson described graphic sexual illustrations and references to adult websites in the book, calling it “pornography” and arguing it had no educational value for students.
“If we cannot protect the children from depraved content like this, then we have no business being here,” she said.
The book entered the library as a donation, officials said, highlighting a key difference in oversight. Purchased books require approval through purchase orders, but donated books often follow a less formal process.
Superintendent Juan Cabral confirmed that donations do not always go through the same review channels as purchased materials.
“Books like this don’t funnel through the business office,” Deputy Superintendent Jason Hill explained. “Adding a process… limiting the ability for people to add to the library catalog could be possible.”
Some board members argued the incident showed the need for a formal board policy explicitly prohibiting sexually explicit content and requiring sign-offs before books are added.
“We need a policy because we’ve been waiting for it for a year,” Olson said. “If we don’t have a policy, then it’s really hard to hold people accountable.”
Supporters of a policy said formal rules would ensure transparency, protect students and reassure parents that library materials are vetted.
“I want it to be known by every single principal that it’s serious… and that there needs to be documentation,” Board Member Jeannette Wilson added.
Other trustees said existing policies and administrative procedures already provide oversight and warned against creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
“I don’t think we need this policy,” Board President Michele Rendler said. “I do like the part about somebody having to sign off when something comes in.”
Board Member Melissa Ayala-Quintero agreed, saying adding a policy could increase staff workload and costs.
“It’s additional work to our staff,” Ayala-Quintero said. “When we could just say, ‘Juan, make sure you’re taking care of this.’”
Cabral also emphasized that staff accountability does not require a specific board policy.
“You don’t have to have a policy that says ‘don’t do this’ to hold somebody accountable,” he said. “If we have a process that we implement… there’s going to be accountability.”
What they’re saying: Eriko Grossman, a local resident, defended the book as an exploration of identity rather than explicit material.
“The book ‘Gender Queer’ does not promote sexual behavior,” Grossman said. “It explores a young person exploring their identity. Most importantly, it teaches that you do not have to do something that you are uncomfortable with.”
Others questioned whether district officials have the expertise to evaluate library materials.
“Does any of you have a library and information sciences degree?” said Sue Heady, a parent of two students, urging the board to rely on trained librarians.
Some speakers supported stronger restrictions and accountability measures.
“There are things in there that are just not appropriate, in fact it’s pornographic images,” said resident Dale Broome. “We need a policy to deal with this and accountability is very important.”
Moving forward: Rather than vote on a new policy, the board ultimately agreed to direct Cabral to develop a district-wide procedure to improve oversight of library materials, particularly donations.
Cabral said he would present draft procedures to the board by its next meeting on March 10, with potential requirements including administrative sign-off and improved documentation.
“I’m confident and I’m okay with being held accountable,” Cabral said.
The board could revisit adopting a formal policy later if members determine new procedures are insufficient.
For now, district leaders say the focus is on ensuring clearer oversight, while continuing to debate how far that oversight should go.
Kathryne is a journalist and creative writer who has contributed to CFR since 2023. When she isn't reporting, she can be found curled up with a thick fantasy book.
