As it does annually now, Dearborn Public Schools is taking applications from parents, staff, community members and high school students interested in serving on a Book Reconsideration Committee.
Those volunteering to serve on a committee are agreeing to read a school library book that has been challenged and then discuss and vote on whether the book should remain in a school library in the district. Volunteer for the committee through this form.
The district does not currently have any books undergoing a reconsideration, but tries to maintain a current list of volunteers in case a book is brought forward. The list of Book Reconsideration volunteers is updated every school year, so those who have applied previously and are still interested are encouraged to reapply.
Last school year, the district had five books challenged and four brought to a Book Reconsideration Committee. Volunteers will generally only serve on one book committee, if they are selected at all.
Learn more about the district’s book selection and review process on the district’s Media Materials Guidelines and Parent Opt Out page. In short, parents, students or community members concerned about a book in a school library can ask for a Book Challenge. District media specialists will then review the book to see if it meets district standards for age appropriateness. If the media specialists opt to keep the book in the collection, then a concerned person can ask for a Book Reconsideration. At that point, a separate committee of staff, a student, and parents or community members will reevaluate if the book is age appropriate for a school library.