FORT WORTH, TEXAS: A man was escorted out of a school district’s board meeting after reading from Mike Curato's children's book ‘Flamer’, which has been deemed controversial and banned in school libraries of several states.
The community member Mike Cee was attending the Fort Worth school district’s board meeting in Texas on Tuesday, August 22, when he was forcibly removed for reading from the book.
Rather than supporting the book, Cee was actually reading it to facilitate a decision-making process about what should and should not be allowed in libraries for children, as per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
What is the book 'Flamer' about?
Mike Curato's 'Flamer' revolves around a 14-year-old boy called Aiden Navarro and his struggles with identity. The author’s website describes the book as a "debut graphic novel, telling a difficult story with humor, compassion, and love."
"Recommended reading age 14+ or with adult guidance," adds the website. Moreover, the book also delves into subjects of toxic masculinity and homophobia.
Is 'Flamer' allowed in schools?
As per reports, the Fort Worth school district’s board has already prohibited 'Flamer' from the libraries for elementary and middle school students. It was also one of the most challenged books of 2022 due to "claims that it is sexually explicit," as per Publishers Weekly.
During the Tuesday, August 22, meeting, Cee apparently read a sentence from the book, which said, "Who wants my hot wiener?" to highlight the inappropriateness of the book.
"Satan rules the world. Satan speaks through some of you, could be some of these board members, could be some of the audience. God has given us free will to do the right thing," apparently remarked Cee concerning the book's content.
Debate ensues surrounding the ban on books deemed inappropriate for children
Kenya Alu, executive director of the Tarrant County chapter of Citizens Defending Freedom, has been vocal about banning books that have been deemed inappropriate for children.
She reportedly said, "To those who label us as book banners, let me be clear. We are not for banning books, we’re for protecting children," adding, "Just as movies have ratings, and require an adult to accompany a child to an R-rated movie, we are simply asking the same for books."
However, Layne Craig, an English professor at Texas Christian University and a district parent, did not agree with Alu's thought. He stated, "I’d like the district to fully and vocally support librarians."
"I’d like to see more outspoken defense of our librarians against the kind of unwarranted attacks they face lately. I’m also here to support our district’s LGBTQ+ students, who are the target of current attempts to remove books from our libraries," asserted Craig.
Mike Cee's removal sparked reactions online
The video of Mike Cee getting removed from the school board meeting quickly gained traction on X (formerly Twitter) with replying with their own opinions regarding the topic.
A user wrote, "Mike represented his first amendment to speak about a book also first amendment and has his first amendment rights taken. It’s ludicrous!"
"Unfortunately, The sheriff is doing the Job he has to do! Shame on these Liberal school board , who are trying to ruin our Children! Vote them out!" expressed another.
