'Needs to be reversed:' Discrimination complaint involving Menomonee Falls School District's book ban moves to state level

 

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A discrimination complaint against the Menomonee Falls School Board for banning dozens of books last October is now headed to the state level.

The board previously told CBS 58 that the removal of 33 titles was based upon policies and procedures -- not personal opinions -- but others argue the decision targets the LGBTQ+ community.

One banned book in particular, is titled "Love is a Family" and is described on Amazon as a "simple preschool read-aloud" that "demonstrates that what's most important in each family's life is the love the family members share."

Some images inside depict same-sex couples. 

“You know my daughter and all of her peers deserve the opportunity to have an education that prepares them for the future world," said Michelle Cramer, who, along with her husband, originally filed the complaint over the summer. "And they also deserve to have an education in a classroom where everyone feels welcome, and kindness is demonstrated.”

Cramer has one child already in the district, with another too young to enter.

“This wasn’t the right choice, and it needs to be reversed," Cramer told CBS 58. 

However, she added that attempts to hold a discussion with the board have been continuously ignored. 

“We have been dismissed at each level," Cramer said. "So, the first was with the HR director in our district, then we were moved on to the superintendent, then we were supposed to have been able to speak with the board at a school board meeting however we were denied that opportunity.”

That's why the complaint is now being sent to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction where they hope to move forward with State Superintendent Jill Underly. 

It's been a frustrating setback for district families like Erin Vilar and her three children.

“This has caused a lot of harm for our family," Vilar said.

Her wife passed about a year and a half ago, and Vilar said the district's decision is adding on more grief.

“That’s kind of the first time that my children have actually had any kind of sense of hate or people being uncomfortable with our family," Vilar said. 

Vilar said her youngest child is now working with a therapist, is nervous to speak about her two mothers in class, and they've also increased security in their home.

“We get up, we have breakfast, we go to school, we live the same kind of lives, so there’s no reason to call that person objectionable or inappropriate just because their families look different than the ones in your living room," Vilar said. “They have the right to their own opinion but they don’t have the right to remove a book that represents our family, one of the only books that represents our family at school.”

The Menomonee Falls School Board will hold their next meeting Monday night at 6:30 p.m. where public comment is expected to be allowed.

CBS 58 reached out to multiple board members before the story aired but have not heard back.