We were pleased to see that the Board of Education in New Rochelle, NY, will replace censored copies of Susanna Kaysen’s memoir, Girl, Interrupted, with full text copies in New Rochelle High School classes. The Kids’ Right to Read Project sent this letter to the school board, commending its decision. Here’s an excerpt:
We applaud your recent decision to replace censored copies of Susanna Kaysen’s memoir, Girl, Interrupted, with the full text in New Rochelle High School classrooms. We were shocked to learn that teachers at New Rochelle High School had torn out pages 64-70, reportedly based on complaints about sexual content and profanity. We also understand that this action was taken despite the fact that there had been no formal challenge to the book.
It is our view that in any controversy about curriculum or library materials, a school district should follow a thorough review process for evaluating challenged materials.
Read:
Statement from the Board of Education
Coverage of the story