PLATTSMOUTH - Plattsmouth High School students’ First Amendment rights flamed passionate discourses among parents, students and community members when several books from the school library due to their content.

Plattsmouth media specialist and teacher Christine Knust, who has since resigned, was directed to remove works by Ellen Hopkins, Casey McQuiston, Alex Gino, Alice Sebold, John Green and Mariko Tamaki. Content included LGBTQ+ ISSUES,  drug addiction, abuse and prostitution.

Students protested against the removal April 26. The board formed a committee to review the books and added a citizen comment time to its May 8 meeting. Each person addressing the board was given up to three minutes to speak.

“I looked at the entire list of books and was surprised to see that most of the titles are some of the most popular authors for the last few years. They are popular because kids can identify with the characters and situations. But they are still valuable even if read by kids who don't experience the same situations or lifestyles. Being exposed to new concepts and experiences will teach compassion and empathy for others different from yourself,” said Kristin Olson Wood, former Plattsmouth Public Children’s Librarian and the first person to speak.

After her resignation was accepted, Knust also addressed the board.

“While book challenges are often done with the best intentions and in the name of age appropriateness, they often target marginalized communities such as the LGBTQ community,” she said.

She added that having such literature available increases students’ connectivity to their community. “While each parent has the right to determine which library materials are acceptable for his or her own children, individuals must realize that they must afford that same right to all other parents.”

Several others spoke in favor of removing materials deemed inappropriate for youth.

“I commend the board for putting together a committee to review these books. All books and movies are not appropriate. That why there are ratings on them,” said Meredith Bentley. “We have to be very cautious about any curriculum, books or programs. We have to start by not being hoodwinked by this. We must protect our children now.”

Linda Vermonten questioned what long-term effect the books might have on children. “Are you aware that if I took these books and handed them to students outside the school, I would be arrested for distributing pornography?”

Carla Higgins urged both groups to be respectful like Socrates and Aristotle would have done. “Take time to listen to each other.  Concentrate on how we establish that trust and build better relationships between the board, students, parents and the community.”

Teri Cunningham-Swanson is the driving force behind the removals. She successfully campaigned for the school board seat in 2022 with the book removal as one of her platforms.