Dupage Policy Journal

Community High School District 99 Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele supports the school board’s decision to keep a controversial book in its school libraries despite parent protest.

The board unanimously voted against the removal of the 2019 memoir “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe based on a review of the book by an ad hoc committee consisting of parents who were part of booster clubs and other school clubs. The 240-page autobiography describes the author’s story of recognizing their own gender identity and was written as a way to help their family and the rest of society understand what it means. The book comes after Kobabe’s previously published works of comics.

“I believe Gender Queer belongs in our libraries,” Thiele said at a June 6 board meeting. “I strongly agree with the key tenets of the committee's recommendation. Their tenets are as follows: District 99 Libraries should continue to be safe spaces for students to develop and champion beliefs of all individuals and to elevate students and readers of all levels through text or graphic novels alike. Students and or parents may opt out of individual titles at District 99 libraries at any time just by contacting the librarians.” 

Thiele went on to say that the book is educational and meets the district’s values of belonging and empathy.

The motion to remove “Gender Queer” from the district’s libraries can be made again next year.