Trustees Refuse Classroom Ban on Two Novels : Education: ‘The Great Santini’ and ‘Ordinary People’ meet standards of decency, they say. Foes call the books obscene and vow to continue fight.

High school district trustees Thursday refused a request by a group of residents to ban the novels “The Great Santini” and “Ordinary People” from the classroom.

The unnamed group, calling the books “obscene and pornographic,” had asked the Anaheim Union High School District to reconsider the decision to allow the books.

But the board’s majority said that the books had already been reviewed by committees composed of parents and teachers and that they meet community standards of decency.

“As required, we’ve completed our review of each book and it’s my opinion we’ve done our job,” said Board President R.A. (Molly) McGee.

She added that since the board made its decision earlier this year to allow the books to remain on a long list of novels that can be assigned in high school English classes, board members and other school employees have been called “Satanists” and have been threatened.

Opponents of the books said they will continue their attempts to have them banned.

Kenneth M. Fisher, a local businessman and chairman of another group called Concerned American Roman Catholics, said he has talked to several Catholic lawyers who may sue the district if “The Great Santini” is allowed to be taught in the schools.

The book is “anti-Catholic” because of scenes such as one in which an altar boy fantasizes about having sex on a church’s altar, he said. Fisher said the book also uses words that if used by a student would result in his or her suspension.

“The district’s own policy says that students may not use vulgar or obscene language,” Fisher said. “Well, if the students are going to discuss this book they better not use the language that’s used in the book.”

Caryl McCabe, a member of Fisher’s group, said, “I’m against all books that are devilish and evil and does not lead children to Jesus and into heaven.”

The novels did have defenders at the meeting.

Ron Brody, an English teacher at Cypress High School, said he uses “Ordinary People” in his classroom because it deals with feelings and issues not uncommon among high school students. He said the book’s message is that everyone is unique, and that people cannot measure themselves against others and their abilities.

“What is wrong with teaching young people that they are unique?” Brody asked.

John C. Searight, whose children graduated from the district, said, “I’m getting a little bit tired of every religious and ethnic group whose sensitivities are offended . . . trying to cram those sensitivities down everybody else’s throats.”

District officials said “Ordinary People” is used in English classes throughout the district. But “The Great Santini” is used in only one classroom at Magnolia High School, where it is on an optional reading list.

The district has said that “The Great Santini” can be issued to students only with their parents’ permission.