What happened?

On March 18th, 2024, the Millburn school board cancelled the Elementary and Middle Schools Readers Choice Award Program (otherwise known as the Caudill program) in district 24. The decision came after sixty teachers, community members, and concerned students attended the District 24 Board of Education meeting to show support for keeping the program and spoke to the board concerning the positive impact it has had on their lives. Not one person spoke against the program. 

Who voted to cancel the program and why? 

This cancellation is the result of a vote by four board members: John Lorentzen, Peter Pettorini, Liza Wooster, and John Ruggles. Ruggles expressed his opinion on one book, Stamped: (For Kids) Racism, Antiracism, and You. He described the award-winning book as "left-leaning", and later called the entire Caudill book list "left-leaning." Ruggles mentioned his son was reading Stamped, and was "deeply offended" by the content. Another board member who voted to cancel the program, Peter Pettorini, is accused of having sexual relations with highschool students at his last job at Round Lake High School. He later resigned after there was a police investigation and police report.

What is Stamped's content? 

Stamped not only teaches about the history of racism in the United States, but that discrimination continues to exist today, and how children can reframe their thoughts to accept everyone, regardless of identity or race.

What is the plan of action?

The Caudill Program (otherwise known as the Readers Choice Award Program) needs to continue to be a part of District 24's curriculum. It is vital for District 24 students, as it promotes reading and shares diverse stories. Censorship of books should never be allowed in public schools or other places of education, since education is what helps kids grow into adults. Celebrating differences is more than “left-leaning”, it's embracing the differences that formed the foundation of this country.

By Lia Neveu and edited by AJ Fray