Parents Want 'Vulgar' Book Removed From Reading List

Parents upset about a book voiced their concerns before the Murrieta Valley Unified School District Thursday night.

The book in question is "To The Wedding," by John Berger. It was assigned to juniors in the International Baccalaureate program at .

Literature and curriculum in the rigorous IB program is intended to give students international exposure to other cultures and world-wide issues.

"To The Wedding" is set in Europe. A young French couple engaged to be married learns that the woman, Ninon, contracted AIDS from a prior one-night stand. The story follows them as they decide whether to still go through with the marriage.

But some parents say students shouldn't be exposed to the mature content, which includes, on at least three occasions, the use of the f-word to describe sexual relations that take place.

Parent Wayne Fontes said he did not want the book to be banned, he just did not want it to be required reading for his daughter.

"Mature reading does not have to consist of foul words," Fontes said. "Understand that this is being read by 15- and 16-year-olds.

"If this book is so loved, put it in the school library."

Fontes said about half of the kids are opting out of the book by reading the alternative: "A Scarlet Letter."

He complained it was not the level of book they enrolled their daughter in IB for. The program allows students to linger on each book more than other classes do, which is what Fontes said he, his wife and daughter liked about the program.

By opting out, he said the kids miss that class time because, according to school board policy, they are required to study the alternate book independently.

"Why was there not an equal book as an option?" Fontes asked the school board.

He was also concerned that his daughter would not be able to answer questions about the book on the final exam, which he said could affect her college applications.

Another parent, Bo Bowditch, said he disapproved of the book for his child based on their Judeo-Christian values.

"I hope you can make a good, common sense decision to eliminate the book," Bowditch said.

Ernie Walton, a law clerk speaking on behalf of Advocates For Faith & Freedom, a Murrieta-based nonprofit law firm that fights to protect religious liberties, said the book did not represent the community.

He proceeded to read aloud three passages in which the f-word was used.

"It is not our intent to threaten litigation," Walton said. "But is 'To The Wedding' the type of book you want in your curriculum? School curriculum should reflect the values of the community.

"The school district is in a position of authority...this could raise a vulgar view of sex."

Steps Taken

The school board thanked the parents for bringing their concerns forward, but said they could not take action or speak on the issue because it was not on the meeting's agenda.

District Spokesperson Karen Parris said the book was not approved by the board, but by the IB Program, which is run by an outside agency. The program is in its second year at Murrieta Valley, and it is the only high school in the district to offer it.

According to Parris, the book, however, has prompted measures to be taken.

A parent meeting was held on Oct. 14, which was attended by 10 parents, Murrieta Valley Principal Renate Jefferson, the school librarian and IB and Advanced Placement instructors.

Then on Oct. 25, Parris said a site committee met and decided to take additional measures where the book and other IB reading materials are concerned.

First, teachers will seek to expand the IB reading list, and will rotate the curriculum.

Second, parents will be given notification that IB English is a college-level course in which students will be reading mature literature and themes.

Third, "To The Wedding" will remain on the reading list as teacher's option, but timely notification will be sent to parents, advising them of the language and content specific of the book.

Lastly, for the teacher who chooses to include the book, it will be taught near the end of students' senior year.

District officials referred questions about whether students who opt out of the book would be given a separate final exam to the school principal.

Updated 7:25 p.m. Nov. 18: