Concerned Parents Overruled In Dispute About 'Beloved'

PLYMOUTH (WWJ/AP) - Despite some controversy, Toni Morrison's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "Beloved" will remain on a reading list in the Plymouth-Canton School District.

Two parents objected to use of the book in the Advanced Placement English curriculum.

A committee has reviewed the complaint, and the book, and has decided the book is appropriate reading.

Talking to WWJ Newsradio 950, School Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Hughes said these discussions walk a fine line.

"Those lines get blurred between what to one person is heresy, what to another is fact, what to another is pornography, what to another is art. I mean, it's a fine line that has to be drawn, you know, in every individual community," he said.

Hughes said, however, the committee vote ends debate on the matter.

"Their recommendation was that the book Beloved be allowed to remain in the curriculum. And I had indicated in advance that he would honor the recommendation of the committee,"

Morrison's novels "Beloved," "Song of Solomon" and "The Bluest Eye" have frequently been threatened with removal from library shelves - and sometimes pulled - because of sexual, racial or violent content.

The use of Graham Swift's acclaimed novel "Waterland" also is being examined.

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