Challenged Materials PDF Print E-mail

Policy and Procedure for Challenged Materials

Occasionally objections to material will be made, despite the care and quality taken to select material for student/teacher use. Newfane Elementary School supports the principles of intellectual freedom inherent in the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America and the views expressed in the School Library Bill of Rights of the American Association of School Librarians. In the event that materials are questioned, the principles of intellectual freedom, the right to access materials, and the integrity of the professional staff of Newfane Elementary School must be defended rather than the materials. If the patron is challenging material he/she must have read, listened, or viewed the material before he/she can challenge the material.

If material is challenged; the following procedures will be followed:

  1. Give patron the “Challenged Material” form
  2. Inform all administration and staff members
  3. Upon receipt of form, the Library Media Specialist shall designate a “Materials Evaluation Committee” composed of the following:
    • A representative from the Newfane Elementary School’s Administrative Staff
    • The library media specialist of Newfane Elementary School
    • A classroom teacher from Newfane Elementary School
    • A parent of Newfane Elementary School
    • A student (when appropriate )

No material shall be removed from use until the Materials Evaluation Committee has made a final decision.

Within 30 days the Material Evaluation Committee shall:

  • Examine challenged material in relation to official materials selection policy adopted by Newfane Elementary School System
  • Check general acceptance of the materials by reading reviews
  • Weigh values and faults and form opinions based on the material as a whole
  • Meet, discuss, and prepare a report to the Library Media Center using the “Materials Evaluation Committee Report” form
  • File a copy of the report to the library media specialist and and the Newfane Elementary School Administration

If documentation is sufficient an appeal to the Newfane Elementary School Board may be warranted. The decision of the Newfane Elementary School Board is final.

Reconsideration Request form
Committee Report form
Acceptable Use Agreement
Acceptable Use Permission Slip