Parent Persists in Potter Book Protest

Despite the school district approval this week of using the popular Harry Potter children’s books in classrooms, the parent who began a protest said she plans to continue her fight to keep the books out of schools.

“I am probably going to pursue appealing,” said Cynthia Kersey, whose two children attend Simi Elementary School.

About two months ago, Kersey filed a complaint with the Simi Valley Unified School District after learning a teacher at the school read the book to her son’s fourth-grade class.

On Wednesday, a district committee--made up of parents and school officials--ruled against the complaint. Teachers will be allowed to continue using the books about a preteen wizard for school purposes as long as they are not part of the required curriculum.

“The committee recommends that the book ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ remain available in our schools for teachers to use for read-alongs and recreational reading,” the district said.

The decision does not change the previous policy regarding the J.K. Rowling books.

“They made no decision,” Kersey said. “The policy stands the same as it was before the issue came up. They are leaving it in the hands of parents, and parents trust the teachers’ judgment. The book tells children that rebellion is OK.”

Most parents don’t have a problem with the book, said Jeanie Clark, a member of the PTA at Justin Elementary.

“I don’t think anybody finds it to be a real threat of sorts,” Clark said.

The district maintains that parents who wish their kids not be exposed to the book have their kids removed during the times when the book is being read.

Kersey doesn’t believe that is a fair option for the kids.

“Removing the student is like punishment,’ she said.

If Kersey follows through and appeals, the matter could come before the school board for a public discussion and eventually a decision by school district trustees.