Parents decry use of graphic novel at Palo Verde High School, showing depictions of sex
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Several parents in the Clark County School District are lashing out at Palo Verde High School for one of its reading suggestions, who say it shows a number of obscenities including depictions of sexual acts.
The group "Power2Parent" said the graphic novel “Fun Home" was added to a group of suggested reading lists given to several 10th grade students.
A website released by the self-proclaimed parent union revealed images depicting sexual acts and genitals of both sexes along with strong and suggestive language.
Parents also claimed the novel showcases drug use and "offensive anti-religious sentiments."
"Porn - The first book choice for CCSD 10th graders," Power2Parent wrote.
Mr. Darren Sweikert, the principal for Palo Verde High School, was credited for pulling the reading list immediately after being notified.
But concerned parents said they remain worried about the possibility of teachers "flouting" the state's laws and the school district's policies.
It added that including such material violated CCSD's opt-in policies for sexual material and violated the state's law of distribution of obscene material to minors.
Education institutions that are operated by or are under the direct control of the State are exempt from that law.
RELATED | CCSD kindergarten student stumbles upon pornography, district blames 'third-party site'
The parent union will hold a joint-press conference with Sen. Scott Hammond, Assemblywoman Melissa Hardy, and Assemblyman Tom Roberts on the ground of the high school Thursday morning.
"Pornography/Illicit Materials should never be disguised as literature in our classrooms," they wrote.
It's worth noting that the book is not a pornographic novel and can be found on Amazon. The book tells the story of the author's childhood and youth in rural Pennsylvania, United States, focusing on her complex relationship with her father.
