From Controversial science book approved, by Melissa Jenco, published Feb. 21, 2007, by The Daily Herald
The Naperville Unit District 203 school board gave its approval to a controversial science textbook Tuesday after more than 20 impassioned speeches from residents both for and against the book.
The board voted 5-2 to purchase “Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology” by Elaine Marieb for advanced high school science classes despite reservations from several board members on the way contraception is handled by the author. The book was among several dozen approved at the meeting, but it was the only one being challenged.
Board member Jim Caulfield led the charge against the book and said it is unbalanced and inaccurate regarding contraception.
But Superintendent Alan Leis said the advanced class that uses the book focuses on systems of the body, and the issue of contraception is not part of the curriculum for the class, which reassured several board members who said they also do not like the way the subject is handled but approve of the rest of the book.
Those supporting the choice of books donned stickers and pins that read “Sound Science” and “Vote Yes for the Science Book.” They said they trust teachers who chose the book and find it to be an accurate and valuable resource for students.
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