Opponents of Menomonee Falls book ban call on state to overrule decision

 

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Dozens packed into Village Hall for Monday's school board meeting, and during public comment, those who spoke unanimously opposed the board's decision this past summer to ban a book that had previously been available to preschool students.

The family that formally appealed the ban has now filed a discrimination complaint with state education officials. Those in the room joined Jesse and Michelle Cramer in calling for the Department of Public Instruction to overturn the district's ban.

The Menomonee Falls school board had previously banned 33 books from the high school last fall. However, the Cramers' complaint focuses on the board's decision to ban the book, 'Love Makes a Family.'

The book includes images depicting same-sex couples as well as single parents and heterosexual couples.

At the time of the decision, board president Nina Christensen posted on social media the book included content that did not alight with the district's curriculum for kids at the 4K level.

"It contained content not introduced at this grade level (4K) based upon the Human Growth and [Development] Curriculum, which begins at Grade 3," Christensen wrote in July.

Both Cramers pushed back on the board's reasoning at Monday's hearing, and they accused the district of avoiding specifics when outlining its decision to ban the book.

"This is not about policy, but about discriminating against specific groups of people," Jesse Cramer said. "The official meeting minutes conveniently omit and mention of what, exactly, inappropriateness exists in the book or what qualifies as 'alternative lifestyles.'"

DPI Spokesperson Chris Bucher confirmed Monday the state had received a "Pupil Nondiscrimination" appeal.

The loudest ovation of the night followed Erin Vilar's remarks. Vilar said the district knew she and her wife were a same-sex couple because it had previously honored them at a "Go Pink" event two years ago.

Vilar said the ban was especially painful for she and her kids since Vilar's wife died last year.

"I share this because my children are still reeling from the loss of their other mom," Vilar said. "Their grief now further complicated by the hateful undertone created by the very public and intentional act of removing the only book that represented families that looked like ours."

Following the meeting, both Christensen and Superintendent David Munoz declined to answer questions from reporters.

Bucher said the DPI appeal process will include both the Cramers and the district submitting write briefs for state officials to review. The DPI's Office of Legal Services will then draft a proposed decision for State Superintendent Jill Underly.

Other southeast Wisconsin school districts to enact book bans over the past two years include Kenosha, Waukesha, Sheboygan and Elkhorn.