Maryland school
district removes novel from curriculum over gay
references

After receiving complaints from about 40 parents, a Maryland school district has pulled a young-adult novel from its curriculum, in part because of its references to homosexuality. Harford County school superintendent Jacqueline Haas made the decision to stop using Robert Cormier's The Chocolate War, about a boy who is harassed in school, in class because of parents upset at the novel's profane language and homophobic slurs, reports the Associated Press. "This decision was a very difficult one," said Mark M. Wolkow, president of the school board, according to the AP. "I have every confidence in the superintendent's process in making the decision." The novel has received several awards and is considered by educational experts to be a realistic portrayal of the damaging effects of bullying. It was taught in a new class this year called Living in a Contemporary World, which was created to help students make the transition from middle school to high school. However, at a school board meeting in the fall, several parents expressed concern to school officials over the book's profanity, sexual content, and gay references. Those complaints led to Haas's decision this week. The book will still be available in school and public libraries. (The Advocate)