Lone school board member concerned about ‘politically driven inaccuracies.’ Others accuse him of ‘censorship.’
A science textbook is once again creating a stir in Naperville Unit
District 203.
School board member Jim Caulfield says he objects to a book awaiting board approval because it contains “politically driven inaccuracies” in the way it addresses contraception and abortion.
“It’s got nothing to do with censorship. It’s got everything to do with what’s a world-class education and this … is on its face misinformation
on politically controversially topics,” Caulfield said.
Staff members have recommended the book, “Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology,” by Elaine Marieb, for advanced high school science classes. They want to purchase 140 copies for $10,425.
The school board is scheduled to vote on the book along with several dozen others on Tuesday.
Caulfield said it’s the board’s responsibility to carefully review textbooks before voting.
“To me, that’s more than getting a list from the administration and approving them. … It’s more than judging a book by its cover … (or) judging by its title.”
In particular, he’s troubled by the way the science textbook combines discussion of RU-486 abortion pills with contraception and he doesn’t agree with the book’s assertion that the pills have few side effects.
“If death is not a side effect, then that may be right, but the New York Times, which is an abortion rights-supporting newspaper, reported that six women died after taking it,” Caulfield said.
He also said the book’s discussion of the morning-after pill credits abortion provider Planned Parenthood and dehumanizes the life involved by referring to it as a fertilized egg.
Textbooks are put on display at area libraries for 30 days for public review before the board votes on them. Residents traditionally provide very little feedback.
The school board will discuss the latest round of textbooks when it meets at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the district’s administrative center, 203 W. Hillside
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