Writing prompt book sparks controversy among parents in Hudson (Ohio)

Cleveland Newsnet 5 ^ | 9/14/2021 | Jade Jarvis

[grayboots]

HUDSON, Ohio — A book intended to prepare Hudson High School students for college now has parents in an uproar.

They said the contents of the book are inappropriate for their children and now, they’re demanding reform and transparency from the school board.

“Write a sex scene you wouldn't show your mom. Rewrite the sex scene from above into one that you let your mom read. Describe your favorite part of a man's body using only verbs,” said parent Monica Haven.

Those are some of the writing prompts found inside the book, '642 Things to Write About.'

Until Monday, that book was being used by students in Hudson’s high school senior College Credit Plus writing class.

“Do not sexualize our kids! The raw filth that snuck past the gatekeeping functions of this board of ed. in '642 Reasons' was disgusting,” said parent Morris Norman.

At a school board meeting Monday, Principal Brian Wilch apologized for the book’s use in the classroom,

“We did not exercise due diligence when we reviewed this resource. And as a result, we overlooked several writing prompts among the 642 that are not appropriate for our high school audience,” said Wilch.

But that didn’t stop parents from grilling the board about how it slipped by the eyes of educators and administrators for years.

“The students were told not to take the book home. Why? So their parents couldn't see it,” said Norman.

“A parent found that book in their child's backpack,” said Amanda Kocher, vice-chair of Moms for Liberty Summit County, a group dedicated to advocating for parents’ rights at all levels of government.

[keats5]

It still is a wonderful town. I live in Hudson. Parents are on the ball here and more engaged than every.

Note that our parents came out in force and have the full backing of our mayor, who told the school board to resign or be fired last night.