Books discarded at Staten Island school marked ‘not approved;’ city investigates

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11) – Books focused on LGBTQ+ characters, immigration and other themes were found discarded at a Staten Island school, prompting a city investigation, according to a representative of the Department of Education. 

As first reported by Gothamist, a slew of books were found by the trash and in boxes labeled “not approved” at Staten Island’s Henry M. Boehm School on Osborne Street – and many with sticky notes purportedly describing why they were tossed. 

A DOE spokesperson confirmed to PIX11 the department was investigating why the books were discarded.

“Our public schools do not shy away from books that teach students about the diverse people and communities that make up the fabric of our society,” said Nicole Brownstein, Director of Media Relations for the education department. 

“We do not condone the messages found on these books and we are conducting an investigation to understand what happened in this situation.”

The Staten Island school has affirmed it will follow proper procedures for the discharge of books and equipment moving forward, according to the DOE spokesperson. 

Books that are formally challenged go through the department’s Materials Evaluation Committee composed of a handful of different school representatives including: parents, a school librarian, classroom teacher, Central Library representative, school administrator, a student and a Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Learning representative. 

“Should a parent feel concerned about the literature in their child’s classroom, they are encouraged to reach out to the teacher, principal, or superintendent,” Brownstein said. 

The incident comes just two weeks after city officials heard testimony on the rising tide of book bans across the country and what it could mean for New York City. 

While New York City may seem like a safe haven for education, censorship in schools and libraries is never too far away, warned library officials at the February hearing. 

“I talk to dozens of libraries every week, dozens, and school libraries in New York City will absolutely tell you that efforts to ban and censor materials in school libraries is a problem in New York City,” said Emily Drabinski, President of the American Library Association.