In a compelling and groundbreaking move, newly appointed Central Bucks School Board President, Karen Smith, took her oath of office on a stack of books during a ceremony that resonated far beyond the confines of the Pennsylvania school district. Smith, a Democrat, chose to swear her allegiance not on the Bible but on a pile of six books that have been controversial due to their LGBTQ+ themes, a decision that left a significant mark on the ongoing battle over education and representation.
The ceremony on December 4th marked a significant shift in the school board’s composition, as Smith was one of five Democratic candidates who defeated opponents endorsed by the notoriously anti-LGBTQ+ group, Moms for Liberty. This electoral triumph led to a transformation of the school board from a 6-3 Republican majority to a 6-3 Democratic majority, signifying a turning point in the community’s direction.
“I’m not particularly religious,” Smith explained to local press after the ceremony. “The Bible doesn’t hold significant meaning for me. Given everything that has occurred in the past couple of years, the banned books, they do mean something to me at this point.”
The books on which Smith took her oath included titles such as “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George Johnson, “Flamer” by Mike Curato, “Beyond Magenta” by Susan Kuklin, and “Night,” an autobiography by Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. These books, among others, have faced opposition from right-wing groups like WokePA, who label them as “sexually explicit.” The previous Republican school board members had opposed these books as part of their library policy.
Smith’s appointment, along with other Democratic members to the board, has suspended the former board’s policy, ensuring that these books are not up for further review.
Smith’s journey to the Democratic party was prompted by a noticeable increase in right-wing homophobia from groups like Moms for Liberty. “I thought, ‘I can’t be part of these kinds of actions’,” she said, reflecting on her decision to switch parties in 2021. “The Republican Party has lost its way.”
Commenting on WokePA’s decision to label “Lily and Dunkin” as ‘inappropriate material,’ Smith expressed her surprise at finding nothing explicit in Donna Gephart’s book. “I get to the end, and there’s nothing in there,” she stated. “Not even a kiss.” She described the book as a “sweet story about friendship,” emphasizing that one of the students in the book is transgender, highlighting the need for inclusivity and diversity in education.
In a world where battles over education and LGBTQ+ representation continue, Karen Smith’s symbolic oath on these banned books serves as a powerful statement of support for inclusion and acceptance in schools, as well as a testament to her commitment to making a difference in her community.