That's why 13 books were removed from all public schools

Records obtained by the Salt Lake Tribune reveal the specific reasons why certain Utah school districts deemed certain books to be “objectively sensitive” material, resulting in 13 titles being banned from all public schools in the state.

According to a questionnaire that districts or charters must fill out to justify their decision, there are three specific reasons to choose from when classifying a book as “objectively sensitive” material. The reasons are based on the state’s new standards for “objectively sensitive” material.

Local educational agencies may select any applicable options. If at least three school districts (or at least two school districts and five charter schools) select at least one of these options for the same book title, the book must be removed statewide.

According to a copy of the questionnaire obtained by The Tribune, there are three reasons:

Option 1: It contains a description or depiction of “human genitalia in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.”
Option 2: It contains a description or depiction of “acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse or sodomy.”
Option 3: It contains a description or depiction of “stroking or other erotic touching of the human genital organs or pubic area.”

The 13 already banned titles were removed from all shelves in Utah’s public schools on August 2, based on a decision by just six school districts.

Here are the options each district cited when deciding to categorize the books as “objectively sensitive” material.

“Blankets” by Craig Thompson

According to records, three districts have decided to ban this autobiographical graphic novel.

The Davis School District led all three options.
The Nebo School District provided options 2 and 3.
The Washington County School District relied on Option No. 1, referring in particular to pages 292-293.

“A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas

According to records, five counties have decided to ban this romantic fantasy novel.

The Jordan School District mentioned options 2 and 3.
Davis, Alpine, Nebo, and Washington County school districts listed all three options. Washington County School District specifically referenced page 247.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas.

According to records, four districts have decided to ban this romantic fantasy novel.

The Washington County School District cited Options 1 and 3 and referred in particular to page 24.
Davis, Alpine and Nebo school districts all mentioned three options.

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

According to records, four districts have decided to ban this romantic fantasy novel.

The Washington County School District cited Options 1 and 3, specifically referring to page 139.
Davis, Alpine and Nebo school districts all mentioned three options.

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

According to records, five counties have decided to ban this romantic fantasy novel.

The Jordan School District mentioned options 2 and 3.
Davis, Alpine, Nebo and Washington County school districts cited all three options. Washington County School District specifically referenced pages 202-205.

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas.

According to records, four districts have decided to ban this romantic fantasy novel.

The Washington County School District cited Options 1 and 3, specifically referring to page 247.
Davis, Alpine and Nebo school districts all mentioned three options.

“Empire of Storms” by Sarah J. Maas

According to records, three districts have decided to ban this fantasy novel.

The Jordan School District mentioned options 2 and 3.
The Davis School District led all three options.
The Washington County School District referred to Option No. 3 and specifically referred to page 354.

“Fallout” by Ellen Hopkins

According to records, three districts have decided to ban this young adult novel.

The Washington County School District cited Options 1 and 3, specifically referring to page 339.
The Alpine and Davis school districts mentioned all three options.

“Forever” by Judy Blume

According to records, three districts have decided to ban this young adult novel.

The Washington County School District cited Options 1 and 3, specifically referring to page 85.
The Nebo and Davis school districts mentioned all three options.

“Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur

The documents show that three districts decided to ban this collection of poems and prose.

The Washington County School District referred to Option No. 1 and specifically referred to page 69.
Jordan and Davis school districts mentioned all three options.

Oryx & Crake by Margaret Atwood

According to records, three districts have decided to ban this science fiction book.

The Jordan School District mentioned options 2 and 3.
The Davis School District named options 1 and 2
The Washington County School District cited all three options and referred to pages 140-141 and 165-166.

“Tilt” by Ellen Hopkins

According to records, three districts have decided to ban this young adult novel.

“What Girls Are Made Of” by Elana K. Arnold

According to records, four districts have decided to ban this young adult novel.

Jordan, Alpine, Davis, and Washington County school districts listed all three options. Washington County School District specifically referenced page 19.

Bans could still be lifted

By law, members of the Utah State Board of Education have 30 days from the time a statewide ban on a book is imposed to lift the ban if necessary.

To do so, “three or more” USBE leaders must request within that time period that the material be placed on the agenda of a board meeting for a vote by the leaders.

If no hearing takes place, the nationwide deportation remains in place.

Going forward, districts and charter schools will be required to report any “objectively sensitive” material they wish to remove to the USBE.

When the statewide threshold for removal is reached, the state school board notifies all districts and charter schools within 10 school days so students can no longer see the title. USBE also adds the title to a public list posted on its website.

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