We thought you were better Canada
Ottawa’s Catholic School Board has removed a book called Drama from the libraries of its elementary school parents complained about it.
Parents were reportedly unhappy with LGBTI content in the book.
The award winning graphic novel tells the story of teenager trying to get a role in her high school production. But one of the book’s side stories features two boys attracted to each and share a kiss onstage during the production.
Emails given to CBC, show the school board’s coordinator ordering the removal of the book from library shelves at elementary schools. He ordered all copies of the book moved to libraries at middle and high schools.
Robert Long argued in the email, the LGBTI content was not the problem but rather the portrayal of relationships.
‘The problem with the book is the actual relationship content,’ he wrote.
‘It is not a book we really need younger kids reading without guidance.’
‘We thought Canada was progressive’
The board moved Drama to the middle and high schools where it was ‘more age appropriate’. But book distributor Scholastic Canada rated the book as suitable for children aged between 10 and 14.
Drama’s author, Raina Telgemeier, tweeted her disappointment at the decision.
‘Yes, DRAMA got banned in Ottawa’s Catholic elementary schools,’ Telgemeier tweeter.
‘And all this time we thought Canada was our most progressive sibling! I’m sad for the kids who need this book but can’t access it.’
This in not the first time Drama has courted controversy. The book has been banned from school districts across Texas in the United States.
by Shannon Power
Source – Gay Star News
