A third-grade teacher at a Maple Grove elementary school told parents she led a “hot topics” discussion on banned books that included reading a story about two men who fall in love and explaining the meaning of the word “gay” to students.
In an email sent to parents earlier this month and obtained by Alpha News, Oak View Elementary teacher Kristi Eckdahl said that after watching the school’s morning broadcast, Oak View TV, students learned it was “Banned Books Week,” an event promoted by the American Library Association.
That prompted what she described as a “great class discussion” about why a book might be banned.
Eckdahl said students looked at titles, “made some educated guesses,” and then the eight and nine year olds read, “Prince and Knight” — a picture book about the two male title characters falling in love. The book was published by GLAAD, a left-wing LGBT advocacy organization, and Little Bee Books.
“We came to the conclusion it was likely banned because it’s about two princes who fall in love,” she wrote. “This brought up the term gay so we defined the term together to have a shared definition, discussed how to some using the term is offensive, and early in history it was a term used to describe happiness.”
The teacher added that racism was also mentioned as a possible reason books are banned and that she was proud of how the children “listened to and respected each other.”
Osseo schools respond
Alpha News reached out to Osseo Area Schools for comment regarding the classroom discussion and reading of the book.
Kay Villella, the district’s executive director of school and community relations, said the discussion was not part of a planned lesson.
“This wasn’t a planned conversation for the class. During school announcements it was shared that it was Banned Books Week and some students asked their classroom teacher about it. A proactive follow-up message was shared with parents and caregivers letting them know what was talked about,” Villella said. “Families with questions or concerns were encouraged to reach out.”
District faced prior controversy over LGBTQ lesson
The Osseo school district has previously faced criticism over what some view as LGBTQ overreach.
Earlier this spring, Alpha News reported on parent pushback to a district-wide “LGBTQIA+ History and Culture lesson” for high school students. Hundreds of students opted out of the session, which focuses on LGBTQIA+ “histories and identities,” pronouns, and creating a “brave space” in schools.
The lesson stems from a 2022 school board resolution directing staff to recognize Pride Month, allow “student choice in restrooms and locker rooms,” and fly the Progress Pride flag at all district buildings each June.
The district has defended the lesson, saying it complies with state law and reflects the board’s commitment to equity.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
