You Said It: Community Debates District Keeping 'Beloved' at PCEP

Friday's announcement that a committee created by Plymouth-Canton Community Schools administrators in district classrooms prompted a wide array of local responses.

The book underwent review after two parents complained to administrators about its sexual, thematic and violent content.

Here's a sampling of unedited online comments in response to the decision. Have your own opinion on the matter? Sound off in the comments below!

Score one for the good guys. I was reading books worse when I graduated from Canton High School back in 1981. It is books like this that made me who I am, a creative thinking, think on your feet, kind of person. It allows me to see and understand all people by having rational debates, while respecting the thoughts of others. However, I will state, if I do not want my child reading something or doing something which I do not agree with in the school, it is my duty to remove my child as penalizing the other 99% who do not see it my way, is not how America I know works. It is time to take back what others continue want to take from us, the majorities freedoms.
    — Jerry Grady, via Patch comments

I just didn't think it was a very good book. All the sex with cows and the raping the little girl. You'd think there'd be better literature that we'd want to expose our brightest students to.
    — Dean Johnson, via Patch comments

Wow, crazy times!!!., already have sex at the dances and halls of the school, why not give them booze too...liberal educators pushing their left wing agenda win a battle...but not the War...they better check with current times.... the booting out of the School Board incumbents was b/c the People have had enough...this Board better make some changes within the PCCS or they too will be shown the door! Tebowing over here boss.
    — G Gordon, via Patch comments

Parents who are concerned about exposing their children to sex and violence will want to reconsider letting them read the Bible.
    — Dorian McGlannan, via Patch comments

I am glad my daughter is in this school district. From all I have heard in the past year, it seems like the complaining parents and dissenters were given the opportunity to voice their opinions and the process was followed. I can afford to send my daughter to a private school but I think it's wonderful that this free school system is where she has formed abiding friendships with a diverse group of friends, I see it in her smiles and her passion for justice and truth. I think Beloved is a wonderful book and qualifies as very good literature. I speak from the perspective of someone who has read widely and run Shakespeare and Epic Poetry read Aloud Groups including high schoolers and enjoyed the thoughful discussions that grappled with the wonders of our lives: love, firendship, sex and yes brutality and violence. My daughter is not having sex on the dance floor but discussing with us how she can earn a living while contributing to society while also nurturing that side of her that yearns for companionship and friendship. And we try to teach her that engaging with great literature with an open mind helps one to look past labels that necessarily constrict discussions: "Christian", "Taliban', "liberals", "disgusting".

I love this school district.  
    — "Prashant," via Patch comments

I am glad my kids are not in this district. From all I have heard in the past year about it, it is clear the liberals have taken over. Time for vouchers. Nobody should have to send their kids to a school like this just because it is the free one and they can't afford a good one. This book is disgusting and anybody that thinks our kids need to read it is missing some very good literature out there. No wonder your kids are practically having sex on the dance floor. Also, anybody that puts Christians and the Taliban together is uneducated on both.
    — Tamara Carlone, via Patch comments

As long as objecting parents can have their kids opt out of reading it, I couldn't care less. I think, ultimately, the school district has to be responsive to everyone that has concerns about what happens in our schools, especially parents with children in the schools. Anyone can read whatever they want outside of school, but there should be some debate about what can be assigned as non-optional reading for high school credits.
    — Sean Zayas, via Plymouth Patch Facebook

I think the right decision was made. The people objecting knew about the books when their child enrolled in the class.
    — Marcia Peterson Buckie, via Plymouth Patch Facebook

Really happy to hear that. It was ridiculous that the Dames felt their beliefs should dictate what other children should be reading in an AP english class of juniors and seniors. We all were given a list of the books that would be taught this year so their objection should have come at the beginning of the school year. Funny part is that the book their daughter was given to read instead has been on banned book lists in other districts. Did you hear about the district that just banned their mascot, the cougar...because it is offensive to women..middle aged women that like younger men..I kid you not..
    — Julie Blackwell Bensinger, via Plymouth Patch Facebook

I'm very happy to see the committee made the right choice. It amazes me that these things still happen. A friend in CA told me about her hometown banning the dictionary...last year! It was pulled out of the schools. I guess it defines bad words these days that probably weren't in the dictionary when I was a kid.
    — Emily Haataja McAllister, via Plymouth Patch Facebook

Great decision!
    — Poco Kernsmith, via Canton Patch Facebook

This was the correct decision and reflects the opinions of the many, parents and educators alike, rather than the few.
    — Brenda Yoder, via Canton Patch Facebook

Good for them. Censorship always fails when good people fight back.
    — Kevin Shopshire, via Canton Patch Facebook

The committee made the right decision. Hopefully this craziness will stop now and the kids can go back to learning in this class.
    — Eileen Meyer Ganster, via Canton Patch Facebook

I wonder what sales are like for this book in this area since it's gotten so much attention? If the area book store managers are smart they'll set up a display right by the entrance. Bet sales will be awesome.
    — Robin Miller Schantz, via Canton Patch Facebook