In a significant turn of events, District 6 Greeley/Evans School Board has issued a public apology following controversy over explicit content in books accessible to students. The apology comes after months of tension between concerned parents and district officials, sparked by the reading of graphic excerpts during a public board meeting. Initially denying the availability of the books in question, the district now acknowledges their presence in school libraries, admitting to an oversight in their catalog system.
Below is the full text of the apology from the District 6 Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch:
Dear District 6 students, staff, families and community members:
We would like to apologize to our students, families, staff and community for the content that was provided during the public participation portion of the Board of Education meeting on Monday, September 22.
Two speakers provided obscene content and images, and this should not have been allowed to happen in our Board Room.
Two speakers at the meeting were protesting two books that contain obscene images and/or content. One of these books has never been in a District 6 non-charter school library. The other book that was referenced was available previously in a few schools.
In late spring, after an evaluation of the materials in question, Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch reached a decision that the book will be excluded based on profane and obscene content that are inappropriate for the maturity of students and the standards of the community, and directed staff to ensure the book was not available to students in District 6 non-charter schools. However, upon further investigation this morning, it was discovered that the titles of the books remained in the electronic library catalog and one physical copy of the book was at one of our high schools. This book is not available for students to access. We are deeply sorry for this oversight, and an investigation will be conducted.
The Board of Education values public input at our Board meetings. There are a few speakers, however, who have used this portion of the meeting in an inappropriate manner, to make false statements, use derogatory language and demean other speakers, Board members and District 6 staff.
We particularly apologize to the students and their families who were present and witnessed this inappropriate content.
The broadcast of the full meeting was removed temporarily from the District 6 YouTube Channel.
The Board leadership will discuss public participation in our Board of Education meetings and any changes will be shared with the public.
Thank you to those of you who have reached out in support of the Board of Education and our District 6 staff. We appreciate you, and will continue to work to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in our Board Room.
Sincerely,
Michael Mathews, President, District 6 Board of Education
Dr. Deirdre Pilch, Superintendent
A Reckoning for Transparency and Accountability
This apology serves as an important acknowledgment of parental concerns, but it also raises serious questions about the district’s commitment to transparency and the processes that allowed such materials to remain accessible. For months, parents were accused of spreading falsehoods about the availability of explicit books, only for the district to later confirm their claims were true. The missteps in cataloging and oversight highlight the need for greater accountability and robust safeguards to prevent inappropriate content from reaching students in the future.
Parents who were vocal about their concerns faced accusations and dismissive remarks, which further eroded trust between the district and the community. While the apology is a step in the right direction, it underscores the importance of listening to community voices without prejudice or preconceived notions.
The Impact on Students and Families
The acknowledgment of error by District 6 is significant, yet the lasting impact on students and families remains. During the meeting in question, graphic excerpts were read aloud, exposing minors in attendance to inappropriate content. Parents who brought these concerns to light faced resistance and ridicule, while their children bore witness to the very materials they sought to shield them from. The district’s failure to act promptly has left many parents questioning its priorities and the measures in place to protect students.
As the district promises to conduct an investigation and implement changes to its procedures, parents and community members will continue to advocate for the safety and well-being of children. This situation has reignited conversations about the role of parents in education and the standards schools should uphold regarding library materials.
Moving Forward
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and active involvement by parents in their children’s education. Task Force Freedom remains committed to ensuring that school districts prioritize the protection of students over bureaucratic processes. While the apology from District 6 is a step toward rebuilding trust, it also serves as a call to action for continued accountability and transparency.
Parents, educators, and community members alike must work together to create an educational environment that respects the rights and values of families while upholding appropriate standards for students.
