Edmonton Public Schools is considering the removal of around 200 books from its libraries due to new provincial guidelines regarding sexual content. The draft list of titles, which was recently leaked, includes works that contain graphic depictions of sex. The guidelines state that books with explicit sexual content should not be available in school libraries, while those with non-graphic sexual themes should be limited to students in Grade 10 and above.

Among the titles under scrutiny is Jane M. Auel’s novel, which features a disturbing scene involving a 10-year-old protagonist who is beaten and raped by a Neanderthal. This book, along with others like George R.R. Martin’s series and Diana Gabaldon’s works, has been flagged for containing vivid sexual scenes, including instances of rape.

The list also includes notable literary works such as Vladimir Nabokov’s "Lolita," which addresses the sexual abuse of a young girl, and Margaret Atwood’s "The Handmaid’s Tale," which explores themes of sexual slavery. Maya Angelou’s "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," which recounts her own childhood sexual abuse, is also on the list.

Critics of the removal argue that banning these books limits students' access to important literary discussions. Laura Winton, former president of the Library Association of Alberta, stated, "What specific book-banning lists are going to do is limit the amount of material that’s available to students, limit the amount of topics that can be discussed and just create a culture of fear in the classroom."

However, supporters of the removal believe that graphic depictions of sexual violence are inappropriate for school settings. They argue that schools have a responsibility to respect parental beliefs and protect students from potentially harmful content.

While the list of banned books is extensive, classroom materials are exempt from these restrictions, allowing teachers to include such works in their curriculum if they choose. This has led to a debate about the role of educators in guiding discussions around sensitive topics.

The conversation surrounding these guidelines reflects broader societal concerns about the appropriateness of certain content for young readers. As the school board prepares to finalize its decisions, the implications for students and educators remain a topic of significant discussion.