Statement: Robert J. Chiaradio Responds to the RI ACLU Statement on Student Access to Books

Robert J. Chiaradio, Jr., writes in response to: ACLU Calls on Glocester School District to Halt Arbitrary Restrictions on Student Access to Books

It is the policy of The Coalition Radio Network & Coalition News to give individuals/organizations the opportunity to respond to news reports in which they were indirectly or directly referenced. In this case, Mr. Chiaradio sought to bring criminal charges, violating the state’s felony obscenity law, against Westerly Library Media Specialist, Marianne Mirando, Westerly Public Schools, et al. Attorney General Peter Neronha did not prosecute.

Mr. Chiaradio:

The ACLU has, as you know, gone completely away from its core purpose of many years ago.  For the most part, it is now nothing but a shill for the far left.

Sharing the electronic card catalog is a start.  This would allow parents, if they take the time, to decide which books are, and which are not, appropriate for their children to read in school or check out of the library.

Secondly, each district must establish, for lack of a better term, a vetting committee, which would be responsible for overseeing the library media specialist’s selection of books.  No longer would he or she have sole authority on curation.  This would also pertain to teacher classroom libraries.

This committee should not consist of any employees of the school district.  Only taxpayers and parents, and whether the taxpayer has a child in the school district must make no difference, as we all have a stake in the success of these kids.

The far-left hides behind the “freedom to read” as a way to curate books, some of which are completely age-inappropriate, and of a sexual nature, which simply cannot stand.  When someone like me dares to question them, we are labeled as book banners.  The left is great at deflection and name-calling.

Last year, the RI legislature enacted a law protecting librarians against potential action taken by parents and others.  This bogus legislation was written by the American Library Association.  A total joke.  Codifying the sexualization of our own kids.

As I’ve said before, screw the ACLU.  Let them sue.  They will lose.  School districts, superintendents, and principals must start standing up for what is right, and that means protecting these kids.  I applaud Supt Palazzo for attempting to take the first step in doing just that.