BPC Bulletin: The RCMP Investigates and Clears Books in Chilliwack's Public Schools
News Reports and Commentary Selected by Franklin Carter of the Book and Periodical Council’s Freedom of Expression Committee.
In Chilliwack, B.C., an RCMP investigation has concluded that the content of books in local public schools does not meet the legal definition of child pornography in the Criminal Code.
A member of Action4Canada had contacted the RCMP earlier to complain about some of the books in Chilliwack’s public schools. The complainant alleged that some books depicted child pornography.
Tanya Gaw, who spoke for Action4Canada, said the organization objected to books such as
- It’s Perfectly Normal, a book for youngsters about puberty and sexual health,
- All Boys Aren’t Blue, the memoir of queer black journalist George M. Johnson,
- Identical, a novel by Ellen Hopkins, and
- The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, a winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Action4Canada also objects to the use of Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer: A Memoir.
THE RCMP BULLETIN
REPORTAGE
Simon Little of Global News reports:
No, books in Chilliwack school libraries aren’t child pornography, RCMP says - BC | Globalnews.ca
In the Vancouver Sun, David Carrigg reports:
Chilliwack RCMP dismisses claim school library book depicted child pornography | Vancouver Sun
Daily Hive News reports:
Complaint against books in Chilliwack libraries leads to RCMP investigation | News (dailyhive.com)
In The Chilliwack Progress, Eric Welsh reports:
The Book and Periodical Council was formed in 1975 as the Book and Periodical Development Council to provide a venue for members to discuss industry issues, address mutual concerns and undertake projects for the benefit of Canadian writing and publishing.