We are deeply concerned about the inclusion of curriculum materials in ELA classes that contain graphic depictions of sexual acts, sexual violence, or incest. One specific example is the required reading of The Color Purple by Alice Walker, a novel assigned to 10th graders that includes multiple detailed scenes of rape, marital rape, child sexual abuse, and incest, described in explicit language. The issue is the developmental appropriateness of the content, not the identities or backgrounds of the characters involved. Curriculum choices should align with students’ maturity levels and support healthy educational development.

Research in child development consistently shows that exposure to explicit sexual content can influence young people’s attitudes, increase confusion about relationships and consent, and introduce themes they may not be developmentally prepared to process. These concerns apply regardless of the literary or historical value of a text.

This petition does not call for censorship. It requests a responsible review of whether highly explicit content is necessary for achieving curriculum objectives at certain grade levels. Schools have a duty to ensure materials support students’ well‑being and align with appropriate developmental stages.

To address these concerns, we respectfully request that educational authorities:

•  Immediately review all curriculum materials that contain explicit sexual content, sexual violence, or incest (including but not limited to The Color Purple by Alice Walker).

•  Remove from required classroom use any materials determined to be developmentally inappropriate for the assigned grade level.

•  Replace removed materials with suitable alternatives that achieve the same educational objectives without exposing students to graphic sexual or violent content.

•  Establish and publish clear, consistent guidelines prohibiting the assignment of materials containing explicit sexual acts, sexual violence, or incest to students below a specified age or grade level without prior parental notice and opt-out options.

By signing this petition, you support a clear and structured review process to ensure that classroom materials contribute to students’ healthy, constructive, and developmentally appropriate growth.