'Kite Runner' decision the right one

When a controversial or sensitive subject is going to be presented to young learners, it's not an easy discussion nor an easy decision for an educator to make. It's a decision that must be made with prudence and the proper intent. Based on everything we know, we believe Huron Schools' board of education and superintendent appropriately handled a district parent's complaint about a book being taught in their child's class. At issue was a book called "The Kite Runner." Published in 2003 and written by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini, the work of fiction chronicles the stories of several young Afghan boys throughout the real-life upheaval in the country from the end of its monarchy through the 1979 Soviet invasion and subsequent rise of the Taliban. Critical reviews laud the book's themes of guilt, redemption and the impact of one's childhood experiences on the rest of their lives. At issue in this case is a passage in the book depicting a boy, a friend of the child character narrating the story, being raped. That's certainly not an easy thing to be presented with and have to think about, not even for adults. The district parent triggered a curriculum review after objecting to the book's inclusion, which eventually led to a school board vote on the book. The board, in November, voted 4-1 to keep the book in the curriculum. We appreciated the thoughts and opinions shared by board members during a board discussion. For example, board member Stacy Hinners said she didn't think children could learn if educators "shield(ed) them from everything." Added now-former board member Jody Halter-Mast: "I understand that not all subjects are comfortable, but I think that's how we grow." We agree with their assertions. There are a lot of terrible things in the world — war, death, abuse, among many others — and when children reach a certain age (high schoolers, in this instance, which seems to make the most sense) educators must not shy away from presenting challenging and difficult subjects to their students. We also respect that parents must have a say in what their children learn and have an avenue to express their concerns. In Huron Schools' case — and we understand many districts do this as well — there is a process for parents to submit concerns when they arise, and students may be offered an alternate assignment to complete. That seems right to us and is a fair compromise between parents and educators when opinions differ on the appropriateness of educational topics. We think it's good to conduct these kinds of discussions on sensitive educational subjects openly and be open to all opinions. And while opinions will certainly always differ, we believe the teachers and school leadership in charge of educating young minds — a truly noble and often undervalued profession — must feel empowered to challenge students' perceptions of the world and expose them to the harsh realities they will inevitably run into at some point or another. It is there, where the next generation of protectors, advocates and empathetic leaders are found. It's not easy, but it is an essential part of maturing into a young adult about to enter the workforce, military or college education. Editorial board