Last Updated on November 18, 2024
Fairfax County Public Schools had a graphic novel LGBTQ graphic novel with explicit content in its libraries until one Virginia mother objected.
Stacy Langton was at the helm of the removal of “Queer: A Graphic History” by author Meg-John Barker. Fairfax County School District (FCPS) informed the Catholic mother of six that the book was removed “due to outdated terminology that is no longer used in the LGBTQ+ community.”
The district reportedly retired the book in June 2023 after Langton voiced her concerns during a school board meeting. She only came to knowledge of the ruling in October 2024 via FCPS and was shocked that the notice hadn’t been sent to her or other concerned parents.
It’s not appropriate for minor children at all. It’s an adult-themed book. It shouldn’t be in any school library. I think they didn’t want me to know that they took it out because it’s a win for me, you know? I mean, let’s call it what it is. It’s a victory.
The county’s Assistant Superintendent of the Instructional Services Department, Noel Klimenko, emailed Langton to say that her unsung stance against the school board was likely why the librarians removed the pornographic novel.
As a nonfiction book on an evolving topic, it is critical that the book contains current information. It is within the responsibilities of the librarian to make these decisions.
Klimenko also wrote that the librarians felt the book was not up to par in accuracy regarding LGBTQ information and that there were “superior sources” elsewhere within the district. Klimenko added that the librarians practice “weeding” by removing works to maintain relevancy and appeal.
Klimenko has denied Langton’s allegations that the book was intentionally put there by the Gay Student Alliance club in an effort to promote LGBTQ History Month.
This text is part of a large display in a locked cabinet that our clubs are allowed to sign up for and promote awareness, club activities, and inclusion.
The issue was initially brought to the attention of the school board back on May 11, 2023, after Langton came with receipts showing the disturbing images of the graphic novel, including one of a naked man and woman engaging in non-traditional deviant sexual behavior.
There are many images, probably about half a dozen, that are completely X-rated depictions of sex acts. The worst one I printed out onto a board and I showed it at the meeting at the podium. .. I think they were shocked at the nature of this material in particular. It was quite bad.
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Langton reportedly said she will continue to protect the children of Fairfax, fighting against these adult-themed books presented under the guise of LGBTQ education.
