Dear Dr. Hunt and D220 Board of Education,

We are D220 families and community members who want to express our support of inclusive literature and education in our schools.  This includes books that cover subjects such as LGBTQIA+, racism, inclusion, mental health and other under-addressed and minority focused issues.  It is important that our youth from all walks of life feel supported, included and are able to see their true selves reflected in all areas of school, including books in our libraries.

It has come to our attention that there is a group of community members and parents who are upset about the book Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe being available to Barrington High School (BHS) students.  While the book includes difficult topics such as gender identity, sexuality and teenage identity struggles, students at BHS should have unrestricted access to this book, unless their parents opt them out. This book is not required reading material or curriculum; it is a choice by students and parents at the high school level.  Parents who do not want their children to read such literature can opt their children out of access, but their choice should not impact our children's freedom to read inclusive literature if they so choose. 

Many children who struggle with their gender identity or sexuality are at higher risk of suicide and something as simple and having access to material such as inclusive literature and Comprehensive Sexual Education (SB818) can help them to realize that they are not alone.  

We encourage you to continue to offer a wide variety of books and instruction that reach out to the entire student body and are aligned with our district's inclusive vision for our kids.  Having an inclusive school environment helps our students thrive and for some, survive.

Thank you for listening,

Barrington 220 Parents and Community Members in Support of Inclusive Education