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IAAL A PORT PERRY "WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2000-13 Concerns raised about witchcraft references in Harry Potter series Popular children's books get second look from board By Rik Davie Special to the Star The best selling children's book Harry and The Sorcerer's Stone is coming under fire at the Durham District School Board. The children's novel by English author J. K. Rowlings has sold millions of copies worldwide and catapulted the author, a single mother on welfare at the time she wrote the book, to international atten- tion. It's part of the immensely popular Harry Potter series. The book tells the tale of Harry Potter, an orphan whose parents were killed by an evil wizard. The story line tells of Harry's discovery of magic, and his quest to find the evil wizard. But the references to magic, witches and sorcery have rung alarm bells with some parents. Bev Freedman, board Superintendent of Education for Programs, said she has fielded several phone calls from parents concerned that the books promote witch- craft, and have content that's too violent for use in the schools. "We have temporarily stopped the use of the book while we look into the matter," Ms Freedman said. "However, the book is still available in the libraries, and can be used for reading and book report assignments by students." Oshawa trustee Jane Weist said she is looking into the complaints, and has begun by reading the book herself. "I have not finished reading it yet, but I understand the concerns," said Ms Weist Monday night. "The parents I've spoken to are con- cerned with the level of violence in the books, and the use of the Wiccan Church in the book concerns me." The trustee said allowing references to sorcery is disturbing, particularly when Christian prayer is not allowed in schools. "Well I mean, they are allowing chil- dren to read about witchcraft which is practiced by the Wiccan Church, a recog- nized church, but we are not allowed to teach Christianity in the schools," said Ms Weist. "I don't want any books that have too much violence in them anyway," she said, "We have enough of that in our schools, and | cannot support a book like that." Scugog trustee Bobbie Drew, who is vice-chair of the Durham public board, said she is aware of concerns about the Harry Potter series of books and is edu- cating herself on the issue. "I'm going to read the book as soon as I can get a copy," said Mrs. Drew. "I'll have to get one from a school library, as | was told that the waiting list for the copies in the local library is several weeks long." But when it comes to the topic of ban- ning books from schools Mrs. Drew said she becomes wary. "No student should have to read a book that conflicts with the beliefs held by them, or their family," she said. "In fact there is a policy in place at this board whereby alternate books can be assigned to anyone who has a conflict with the content of a book." There is also a system in place that allows parents to call into question the content of any material used by the board. After a form outlining the prob- lems has been filed with the board, a committee is set up to review the con- tent of the material in question, and rule on its appropriateness for use in class- rooms. Mrs. Drew said that a call to ban any book from schools sets off alarm bells for her. "As it is now, parents and students have choices," she said. "I do not want to see any of those choices taken away from anyone." The concern over the book's content has been felt across North America. The American Library Association rates the Harry Potter series among its top ten list for complaints about content. At the same time, the books are on bestselling lists week after week. Bill Minors of Books Galore and More in Port Perry said that the books are at least encouraging kids to read, a positive point in his mind. "Over and over again | hear and see that children who don't normally read books are reading these books," Mr. Minors said. "I have to see a positive in that alone." a 4 Vv ¥. ] ¥ «» My Country Bungalow ¢ v FOLK ART CLASSES v OPEN HOUSE & REGISTRATION ¥ Wp Sat., April 8, 10:00am - 3:00pm Ww @ Sun., April 9, 10:00am - 1:00pm Ww 4 Beginners & Experienced Painters y LESSONS & SUPPLIES AVAILABLE © Call Leslie at (905) 985-0546 Ww 10521 Old Simcoe Rd., RR2 Port Perry Ww LL VVOVVVVIVIVIIVIIVIVIIVIVIVIVIIVIIVY UUM... Oooh, the flavours! Oooh, the choices! Regular ice cream cone for a loonie! Open 7 days a week He 9am to 9pm 182 Queen St., Port Perry 985-0761 (HoCoL All CO LTD rsd EVERY : aaa i. N STORE FABRICLAND ' THE REGULAR PRICE* All Drapery, Fashion Fabric, Basics, Notions & Hardware *Excludes Patterns, Books, Promotional Items and Ends. ' \ SIA NY | LY | Huge Fashion Clearance -- Special Selection BUY 1 METER OF SELECTED FABRIC GET 2 FREE Full meters only - Off the same bolt. LOTS OF FREE PARKING fb 4 'SRIREPAY, |]