Battle brews over fate of controversial book at Wantagh High School library

"Fun Home," by Alison Bechdel, explores the author's turbulent relationship with her closeted father and Bechdel's own coming out as a lesbian.

Jun 16, 2023, 9:46 PM

Updated 554 days ago

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Some parents are demanding a book be removed from the Wantagh High School library.
"Fun Home," by Alison Bechdel, explores the author's turbulent relationship with her closeted father and Bechdel's own coming out as a lesbian.
At Thursday's school board meeting, some called the book "pornographic," and say it has no business being in a school library.
Other parents say "Fun Home" should not be banned because doing so would be akin to censorship.
One person at the meeting says if the book allows even one gay student to feel represented, then it should stay because the library is for everyone.
"And quite frankly, I don't need you protecting my kids from a book," they said. "My kids need protection from intolerance and ignorance."
Th book has stirred controversy in school districts across the country for over 15 years, most recently being banned from a school district in Missouri in 2022.
The school superintendent issued a statement, saying in part, "a district committee convenes to review the book in question. The committee then makes a recommendation to the superintendent regarding that book's placement in the library."
The Wantagh Union Free School District did not give a timetable for a decision on the fate of the book.