Book about transgender boy read to class sparks debate

MIDDLEBORO — Reading a book about a transgender boy to a fifth grade class sparked debate at the Jan. 9 Middleboro School Committee meeting about whether the reading material was appropriate and whether parents should have been notified in advance.

The book, “Calvin,’’ by authors JR Ford and Vanessa Ford, relates the tale of “a transgender boy [who] prepares for the first day of school and introduces himself to his family and friends for the first time,’’ according to the publisher’s depiction of the book. The story, according to the book’s description, “promotes kindness and empathy’’ and shares a message that “all should feel safe, respected, and welcomed.’’

The book was read to a class without parents being notified, some residents stated at the meeting. “Calvin’’ is described by publishers as appropriate for preschool through grade 3.

Parent Bridget Kearns said she supported the message of kindness and inclusion. “All children should have respect for each other and value our differences,’’ she said. 

But that lesson can be taught “without bringing in a particular group,’’ Kearns stated.

“Other people have different opinions and different views and they should be respected for their views,’’ she stated, adding that some people don’t believe that genders can be changed.

She also said that parents should be notified when sensitive topics are going to be discussed with students. 

Alexander Cook, a member of the transgender community, stated that “we fall down a slippery slope when we start to determine what is sensitive material and content.’’

Cook said that “no one’s existence should be up for debate or deemed sensitive content.’’

Resident Kimberly French spoke about the importance of representation and said “it is crucial to have LGBTQ content in our classrooms.’’

Director of Curriculum and Instruction Terri Marculitis said she plans to discuss the issue in May as part of a curriculum review.

She said she wants to bring teachers and parents together to talk about issues regarding what are presented and how parents should be informed. 

The district needs to be “transparent’’ and “open’’ about these topics, she added.

“This is something we have to talk about as a community,’’ she said. “I don’t know where we’re going to land, I don’t have an answer, but I do know that if we don’t all get together, you’re not going to feel represented, you’re not going to feel right.’’

But she said that “banning books is absolutely something that I will never condone.’’

“We are here for all the students of Middleboro,’’ she said. “We have to make everyone feel welcome.’’

Kearns responded that “no one is suggesting we ban books. There are developmentally appropriate’’ books at specific grade levels, she said, “without veering down the path into ideology.’’

School Committee Susan Pennini said that “we need to be encouraging empathy. We need to find ways we can do that in a guided way.’’