Two decades ago I 'defended' a fellow teacher from the Parent Council that had decided that a book should be removed from the school library. The teacher had used the book in class, and despite it being on the approved list by the education authority, the PC wanted to have a go at her.

I approached that august body and read from ten publications. I asked if each of theose books should be banned. The answer was yes. I informed them that they'd just tossed out Shakespeare, Salinger, Orwell, Twain and the Holy Bible. (They hadn't read the book I don't think.) Anyway, everyone decided to cool off and the following PC meeting it was decided to let parents first read the book and report page and paragraph that was offensive. I suggested it be in writing so there could be no misunderstanding later. That was the end of it. Inertia is one of the universe's strongest forces.