4/28/2025

ASHLAND - A request to remove a book from the Ashland High Media School Center was denied after more than 20 attendees spoke in response. After more than an hour of public comment, the single resident’s request to remove “Gender Queer: A Memoir” was voted down, with only one board member voting against keep the book on the shelves. The resident who requested the book be removed said they aren’t against the book because of the topic, but rather some of the content, which was sexually explicit, saying that type of content could hyper-sexualize a young person. Superintendent Robert Prater said the district doesn’t define what is controversial. Ashland Middle School Principal Jake Levings said he was shocked at some of the illustrations at first, but after reading it, realized the book addressed the importance of consent. Several in attendance said banning the book would be a step backward and still others said although reading it was uncomfortable, the benefit a kid might gain from reading and understanding they are not alone is invaluable, and that might save a life.