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Anchorage School Board Takes Charge of Review Committee

In hopes of making the Anchorage Public Schools' materials review process more reflective of local community standards, the school board voted unanimously September 28 to add two layperson seats to the 15-member Controversial Issues Review Committee. The increase tips the body's composition so that students, teachers, librarians, and principals now constitute a minority.

Following up on a March 23 decision, the board also confirmed that they would take over the school superintendent's authority to appoint committee members, and adopted a nominee screening form that asks candidates "Do you believe that this removal or 'banning' of books or materials is ever the right course of action?" the Anchorage Daily News reported September 29.

The friction between the two groups began over a challenge to American Indian Myths and Legends, which the board restricted despite a committee recommendation. School trustees subsequently ignored a CIRC request that they apply the same standards to the Bible.

Posted October 5, 1998.

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