The State Board of Education has for the time being, stopped a proposal to ban sexually explicit books in schools.  Now for people who only read the headlines, many might think that means the State Board of Education is promoting putting copies of Hustler magazines in school libraries. (Is Hustler magazine even a thing any more?) Nothing could be farther from the truth. 

What we are talking about are books that are meant to help students who are struggling with their sexual identity, are victims of sexual abuse, or want or need more education about S-E-X.  The books have been vetted and deemed age appropriate for the students.  If the school board finds a book that goes too far has found it’s way in they can take it out. But a total ban is unnecessary.

Whenever I hear stories like this, I always think back to my own years growing up.  I was raised in a Catholic environment during the sexual revolution era of the 60’s and early 70’s.  My parents were well meaning but not sure how to handle the topic as I was growing up. 

I remember we weren’t allowed to watch some TV shows like Laugh In or Love American Style because of the sexual overtones.  I also remember the time I came home and asked my Mom what the “F” word meant.  She got all flustered and told me to wait till my father got home.  I thought I was in trouble but instead I got a talk about the birds and the bees where a man (quoting my father now) “plants his seed inside a woman.” 

Now in school we had learned about planting seeds by planting a Lima Bean seed in some soil and watching it grow.  In my young mind I was scared to think of something as big as a Lima Bean seed coming out of my you know where.  And I was too freaked out to ask my father to explain further. 

Yes, dealing with children and young adults when it comes to the topic of sex is a difficult and tricky situation.  Not everybody feels the same way about things. 

Even though I didn’t know what the word heterosexual meant as a child I knew that’s what I was when I felt all tingly when the babysitter from across the street came over wearing her mini skirt with panty hose.  But now as an adult I realize not every child felt the same way as I did.  Some girls might see her and get a similar tingly sensation, and some boys might see her and want to wear her mini skirt and panty hose.  As they said on Laugh In “Different Strokes for Different Folks.”  (Yes, I was able to catch a show every now and then when my parents weren’t looking.)

My point is that every child is curious about sex and it’s not always easy trying to figure it out. I think instead of Kirk Penner and other conservatives all freaked out about these books they should be relieved that these children are actually reading a book instead of searching for answers on the internet. 

I agree with conservatives that some books might go too far.  But before a book gets into a school library it goes through a vetting process.  And a book that might end up in a High School Library would not be appropriate sitting next to the Dr. Seuss and Nancy Drew books in Elementary Schools. Ultimately it boils down to the parents knowing what books their kids are reading and if they find one they don’t think is appropriate they should talk to their child about it.   But that doesn’t mean you prevent other students whose parents might support that book from having it.  Far right conservatives need to stop the fear mongering and get realistic about life and sex. 

It has always amazed me how so many people don’t have a problem with watching bloody violent scenes on TV or in movies but get freaked out if they show a woman’s naked breast. It also amazes me how so many people want to ban books or ideas just because they don’t agree with them. 

The State Board of Education made the right call.  During the upcoming election we need to remember that there’s more than just the President and Congress to worry about.  We need to pay attention to the down ballot candidates like Board of Education.  Our childrens future depends on it.

Tom Becka is a long time Nebraska broadcaster who for over 30 years has been covering Omaha and Midwest issues on both radio and TV. He has been a guest on numerous national cable and news shows, filled in for nationally syndicated talk radio programs and Talkers Magazine has recognized him as one of the Top 100 talk show hosts in the country 10 times. Never afraid to ruffle some feathers, his ‘Becka’s Beat’ commentaries can be found online on Youtube and other digital platforms.