Edmond Public Schools (EPS) has taken the matter to the State Supreme Court to address a pressing issue surrounding the authority to remove books from public libraries. The unanimous decision by the Edmond School Board to file a petition aims to determine the validity of rules established and enforced by the State Department of Education (OSDE) under Oklahoma Law. This move also aims to safeguard the accreditation status of EPS.

F. Andrew Fugitt, EPS Legal Counsel, emphasized that litigation is a last option. However, when conflicts arise between the legislative and executive branches, seeking clarification from the Oklahoma Supreme Court becomes an appropriate avenue. EPS Superintendent Dr. Angela Grunewald expressed reluctance, stating, 'We did not ask to be in this position today, but the district has little choice.'

Edmond Public Schools Challenges OSDE Authority

The dilemma stemmed from a directive by Superintendent Ryan Walters to remove two books from the library in January. The Library Media Advisory Committee of OSDE labeled the books as 'pornographic' or 'sexualized.' The two books mandated to be removed are "The Kite Runner" and "The Glass Castle."

The petition claimed OSDE granted itself the power to decide what is considered pornographic material and sexualized content and, in turn, authorized itself to impose penalties. Edmond Public Schools strongly supported local control for Oklahoma school boards.

EPS asserted that it has a policy allowing any parent to seek a review and potentially remove library materials. Citing federal court decisions, EPS argued that local school boards and superintendents must adhere to established district policies to remove materials unilaterally.

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Appeals to State Supreme Court Amid Accreditation Concerns

Dr. Grunewald outlined the district's predicament: 'If we remove the books without following long-standing policy, we risk being sued and forfeiting local control. If we do not remove the books, we risk the OSDE lowering the district's accreditation.'

To protect local control and the district's accreditation, EPS is turning to the State Supreme Court for intervention, requesting a stay until the court determines the validity of the rules underlying the book removal.

Deer Creek School District expressed support for Edmond Public School's petition in a statement on Wednesday. Deer Creek Schools Superintendent Dr. Jason Perez emphasized the importance of allowing local districts to address concerns through their policies. Perez stressed that each public school district has a board of education elected by their communities. He stated that when local intervention is bypassed, it undermines the authority of elected governing bodies and local policies.

Superintendent Walters has summoned EPS to appear at the upcoming State School Board Meeting to explain their decision. Allegedly, the OSDE has threatened the district with lowering its accreditation, prompting EPS to seek legal recourse.

As emphasized by EPS officials, the heart of the matter is not about the content of the books but revolves around the question of who holds the right and jurisdiction to decide on library materials within school premises.

Despite attempts to reach out to the OSDE for comment, a response has yet to be received as of the publication time of this article.

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