Midlands school district rules whether Black history children’s book can stay in schools
Angela Joy’s “Black is a Rainbow Color” will remain in Lexington-Richland 5 district schools after it was unanimously deemed “acceptable and appropriate” by an appointed committee.
The children’s book, which had been in 13 schools across the district, was removed from shelves after the district received a complaint last month.
The complaint objected to “’Black Lives Matter’ imagery“ which was called “divisive, political propaganda not seen as historical.”
Content of the book might be “confusing and hurtful to certain students,” the complaint read.
The committee of parents, teachers and librarians was tasked with researching and reading the book in its entirety before making a decision. Committee members were told to weigh the values and drawbacks and to consider the “freedom to read” as outlined by the American Library Association.
“Black is a Rainbow Color” is a book that introduces Black American history and identity. One parent on the committee said it alluded to complex topics such as history and art in an age-appropriate way and encouraged children to ask questions.
“Building curiosity is something that creates life-long learners,” she said.
The committee determined that the content and themes of the book fit well with the district curricula for English and social studies. One teacher on the committee said the book content also aligned with the district’s school renewal plan, which promises to provide more diverse cultural resources in classrooms.
Their research found virtually no negative reviews of the book.
They discovered that “Black is a Rainbow Color” has also garnered a number of awards, notably a 2022-2023 Picture Book Award from the South Carolina Association of School Libraries. To be nominated for a SCASL award a book cannot have any negative reviews, the committee librarian said.
Superintendent Akil Ross commended the committee on the research and commitment to the process. “Black is a Rainbow Color” will return to LR5 shelves immediately and cannot be challenged for another five years.
This story was originally published November 9, 2022 at 2:37 PM.
