As a parent of a 10-year-old student, I am horrified by the inclusion of "The Breadwinner," a book marked by graphically violent content, in the curriculum of Portage Public Schools. The school district has hidden this content from the parents and behind the scenes have been dilligently working to isolate and silence those who have spoken up against it.  Teachers have also been told they are not to question the curriculum and must teach it. Many children have shown alarming signs of distress after exposure to the disturbing violent scenes presented within the pages of this book. 

The American Psychological Association has concluded that viewing violent media can increase aggression in children, contributing to a variety of potential negative outcomes (APA, 2017). Promoting understanding of real-world issues to children is crucial, but it should not be done at the expense of their mental health and well-being. Therefore, it's crucial to replace "The Breadwinner" with educational materials that are more age-appropriate and less distressing.

We implore the Portage Public School system to assess the appropriateness of the materials used in their curriculum in a non-biased fashion, using individuals that are not employees of the PPS district, and considering the broad developmental stages of the students. The distress, fear and confusion caused by "The Breadwinner" makes it clear that steps must be taken to ensure the academic environment is suitable and effective in fostering a healthy and conducive learning atmosphere.

We beg for your support in urging the Portage Public Schools to remove "The Breadwinner" from the curriculum. Sign this petition to protect our children from traumatizing educational materials.