The Riverview School District is characterized by students, educators, and alumni as a "caring" and "tight-knit" community. "Despite not living in the district, I feel like a member of the Riverview community," gushed teacher Dan Armstrong in a recent promotional video for the district.
"Where I did my student teaching was in a really big district in San Diego. I never got the feeling I was part of that. I didn't see those kids, in a way, as my kids, and I do [feel] that here. If I could sum up Riverview in one word, it would be 'community.'"
The familial feelings of openness and acceptance ring out even from alumni, like current Microsoft video producer Devon Young. "There's a feeling you get when you're around family, that you can talk about anything, you can go after anything, and you know they'll have your back. That feeling is what I get in this area," Young said of the school district.
Fighting back
Despite this, not everyone in the district harbors the same feelings. This month, 53 residents of King County signed a petition requesting the removal of 14 "obscene" books from Riverview School District libraries. All of the books challenged include LGBTQIA+ characters.
Now, parents and educators are fighting the petition with one of their own. "Diverse children's literature demonstrates that everyone has a story to share and that representation matters," wrote Duvall parent and educator Stephanie Ransom. After hearing about the challenges to the books, she started a petition on change.org that has now amassed over 1,700 signatures.
"All children deserve to see themselves in the pages of a book," Ransom said. "Books that represent a variety of people and cultures help us understand the wider world around us. Reading diverse books reaffirms the value of all members of our community and promotes inclusivity."
In response to the claims that LGBTQ+ books are "dangerous," Ransom said that they are simply false. "Research shows that when minority students see representations of themselves in books, it is validating and academically engaging. It is equally important for children to learn about the experiences of other people to promote empathy and inclusivity."
Riverview parent Sara Morris said she supports Ransom's petition. "I firmly believe in inclusive books for all kids and all ages. Every kid deserves to feel represented in the library."
Concerned citizens can sign the petition at https://www.change.org/p/support-for-diversity-in-our-library-collections/ or reach out to the administration at Riverview School District.
Do book challenges speak to bigger problems?
Ransom's petition has gained overwhelming support from concerned teachers and those parents who fear that even the discussion of removing LGBTQ+ books from libraries may make Queer students feel isolated.
Despite this, some community members believe the most recent attempt to ban LGBTQ+ books and materials points to a bigger issue facing the district.
"I left Riverview because of the prevalent homophobia and racism," said Marie Wood. "The rate of suicide at Riverview is higher than all surrounding districts. Villifying LGBTQ characters and erasure of LGBTQ representation in books through school library censorship is part of a larger systemic issue in this district."
However, the official decision on removing the book is yet to be made. "The Riverview School District did receive a request to review library materials. The request is currently being reviewed by the district's library material committee. A recommendation will be rendered within 60 days of the request," Board Chair Lori Oviatt told the SGN.
National movement to ban LGBTQ+ books
Riverview isn't the only school district facing this challenge. Since the beginning of 2022, schools across the US have seen an increase in book challenges. Most of these center on LGBTQ+ and BIPOC topics. The trend can be linked to increasingly harmful rhetoric pushed by right-wing politicians who oppose "critical race theory" in school and have pushed for policies akin to Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law.
Other Washington school districts that have faced book challenges include Kent, Central Kitsap, and Walla Walla. Some of the most popular titles being banned include All Boys Aren't Blue, Jack of Hearts (And Other Parts), If I Was Your Girl, and Julian Is a Mermaid. These often explore the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality in a way that is age-appropriate and affirming to young LGBTQ+ people who may be discovering aspects of their identities.
While many book bans appear to come from concerned parents, school districts are now being warned to look out for watchdog groups like Moms for Liberty. This nonprofit organization made up of parents, grandparents, and community members is dedicated to "fighting for the survival of America by unifying, educating, and empowering parents to defend their parental rights at all levels of government."
The national organization was started by two former school board members who felt that modern policies were "short-sighted" and harming their children. The group has become known for lobbying school boards and getting members elected who will represent their conservative beliefs.
In King County, the board is headed by Ann Streit. The SGN reached out to Streit but she did not respond.