Alberta is bringing in new rules this fall to ensure only “age-appropriate” books are available in school libraries.
Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the move was spurred by four graphic coming-of-age novels, most of which depict sexual LGBTQ+ content, found in circulation in Edmonton and Calgary public schools.
Speaking in Calgary, Nicolaides said a group of parents approached him with concerns and government employees were sent to schools to confirm the books were on library shelves.
“These materials contain nudity and graphic explicit depictions of sexual acts and images, including oral sex,” Nicolaides said, adding there was also concern about depictions of molestation, self-harm, drug and alcohol use, and derogatory language.
The novels are written by American authors: “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe, “Fun Home” by Alison Bechdel, “Blankets” by Craig Thompson and “Flamer” by Mike Curato.
Excerpts of the books published by the government to highlight concerns include quotes taken from each and pages of explicit illustrations.
In light of the books and parental concerns, Nicolaides said the government would develop new standards for school officials to determine the appropriateness of library materials. They would apply to public, separate, francophone, charter and independent schools.
The province plans to have the rules in place for the fall.
The government, as a first step, has launched an online survey to gather input from Albertans.
The survey, set to close June 6, features 13 questions, including how sexually explicit books should be handled and if parental consent should be required. It also asks who should determine if a book is age appropriate.
Nicolaides said the government’s concerns are limited to graphic images and depictions of sexual activity. Themes and depictions of graphic violence are “probably not” an issue, he said.
Premier Danielle Smith, in a social media post that begins with a content warning, said her government plans to draw a boundary line. “Albertans deserve to know what’s really being shown to children in some of our K-9 schools,” she said.
“Parents are right to be upset.”
Jeff Park, executive director of the Alberta Parents Union advocacy group, lauded the announcement. Park encouraged Albertans to take the survey noting that ultimately “one vision of what literature children should be exposed to will triumph over another.”
The Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents library workers at Edmonton Public Schools, said the government is embarking on “dubious culture wars” to distract from underfunded schools.
“The government should talk to parents, who will tell them book censorship does nothing to solve the real issues students face,” said CUPE Local 3350 president Mandy Lamoureux.
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