Moms in Utah draw attention to “indecent” textbooks, and the UEA opposes the proposed ban

Salt Lake City, Utah – It might have appeared that the previous chapter was created for “sensitive materials in schools”—a contentious issue from the previous session—given the gender bathroom bill, DEI, and a Natalie Cline reprimand at the assembly.

However, the controversy around “pornographic and indecent” materials in schools has returned, and some mothers have been reading novels that they believe should not be taught in schools.

“Oh, she’s s—— it, she’s s—— it,” read Kathryn Pratchett from a book she said is still available to students in a local district.

“My red skirt is hitched up to my waist,” read Diane Livingston from another book she said was accessible to children. The book then describes a horrific experience.

“But he clamped his hands over her mouth, and d—- h—– and h——,” read Gloria Vindas, who then stopped reciting a passage. “I think you can see how it triggers a lot of trauma in this room.”

If at least three districts found a book to be immoral or pornographic, HB 29 would have it removed from all public schools throughout the state.

“This is not ‘Catcher in the Rye’ or ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’” said Rep. Ken Ivory, R-Salt Lake County, who assembled the group of mothers. “This is in many cases, openly illustrated sex acts.”

The Utah Education Association, meanwhile, is against Ivory’s proposal.

“It is possibly encroaching on our students’ freedom to read books that they identify with,” said Renee Pinkney, UEA president, asserting the books often speak to “marginalized” communities.

Additionally, she stated that the law might eliminate local school board jurisdiction, which is something the UEA supports.

“If we can’t read this on TV, should it be in a middle school or high school?“ Pinkney was asked.

“And that’s the question local school boards should be able to go through their process and answer,” she replied.

The bill is on its way to Governor Cox for signature after passing both the House and the Senate.