Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Series
Title
Grinnell Newburg Book Reconsideration Committee
Date(s)
- 1974-1978 (Creation)
Extent
Quantity: 1-10 1/2x12 1/2 blue-gray box
Background Note: In the fall of 1974, there were a number of complaints concerning books in the school libraries. A Book Reconsideration Committee was appointed by the school district to deal with the citizen challenges and requests for removal of the materials. After deliberating, the committee made its recommendation to the school board, at public board meetings, to either, retain, restructure use, or remove the materials.
The proceedings were widely covered by the press, and school board meetings were heavily attended by the public. Decisions by the Grinnell Newburg School Board were appealed to the County Superintendent and a hearing was held at the county courthouse in Montezuma. A favorable opinion by Superintendent Ployer of the school board decisions was appealed to the State Department of Public Instruction. Dr. Ployer’s decision was upheld. Further charges of obscenity were then brought before the grand jury. Subpoenas were issued, and testimony was heard. On June 30, 1975 the grand jury found there was no indictable offense committed, and the case was dismissed.
There were a few challenges after that , but the formal complaints waned when the chief complainant moved from the area.
Container List:
Folder #1 History and Timeline
Folder # 2 Initial Committee
Folder # 3 Minutes
Folder # 4 Requests for Reconsideration materials
Folder # 5 Book Reviews
Folder # 6 Selection Policies (local, state, ALA etc.)
Folder # 7 Iowa Code and Proposed Bill (re: obscenity & open meetings)
Folder # 8 Intra-committee correspondence
Folder # 9 Other Correspondence
Folder # 10 Copies of local newspaper articles (Grinnell H-R, FYI, S&B)
Folder # 11 Copies of other newspaper articles
Folder # 12 Copy of Grand Jury Subpoena
Folder #13 Book Ban—Fall 1977. Copies of newspaper articles.
Content and structure elements
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Acquisition and appraisal elements
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Immediate source of acquisition
Donated by: Harriet Adelberg, Estate of Michael Neubert
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
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Archivist's note
Name of Preparer: Harriet Adelberg. Cheryl Neubert
Date of Preparation: April, 2007; October 2017