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MAY 12, 2006 at 3:52 AM
Posted by CHEESER
Source: Gwinnett Daily Post via Yahoo! News
A challenge to remove all of JK Rowling's Harry Potter books from the library shelves of Gwinnett Public Schools in Georgia has failed
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The school board there voted Thursday to keep the books available. It was the final action for a petition that began in November and culminated at an April clash in which nearly 100 people attended to voice their opinions.
Laura Mallory, a parent of three children at an elementary school in the district, argued that the books encouraged witchcraft and demonic activity. It was later revealed that she had never read the books. School board officials said the process for determining the series' suitability was unbiased, and they sought mainly to decide if the books were obscene or not.
Still, removing the books would have opened the school system to "ridicule by many of its citizens as well as citizens of the nation," Su Ellen Bray told the Gwinnett Daily Post.
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Witch
Points: 605
berries&cream says:
Even in MY library they have Harry Potter books! That's an outrage!
Posted May 12, 2006 at 6:37 PM EST
The Golden Snidget
Points: 3157
Mrs. Phineas Nigellus says:
That's ridiculous! I hate it when people go bad-mouthing the books when they've never even read them. I could see if it's against the person's religion, which it is for many of my friends. But this lady just didn't read them for laziness. At least do your research next time, honestly!
*The MRS*
Posted May 12, 2006 at 6:39 PM EST
Guardian of the Realms
Points: 5601
A&Agang says:
Its good that the Harry Potter books fare still open to the public. these people probably never even read the books, just like that lady, aura Mallory, and was basing their opinions on the cover of the book or something pathetic.
They should read it first before they actually object to it so that they could have something to object to.
Posted May 12, 2006 at 6:41 PM EST
Witch
Points: 531
ronNhermione4evr says:
I am glad that women did not get her way. She should try reading them one day.
Posted May 12, 2006 at 6:44 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1345
Dracos_Gurl13 says:
That was one of the most ridiculous things that I have ever heard. I've heard a lot of stupid things as well. I've heard a child molestor plead guilty and then say it was the child's fault for being so "scandalously dressed". I've heard some people say Harry Potter is demonic but going to the lengths of trying to get it banned whilst never have read one of the books is insanity. The lady must be examined. This is a very contraversial issue and it should be dealt with better because all this about demons is religous and somebody could call it religous discrimination. I know that I being of the Zoroastrian faith, do believe in heaven and the under but I do not in any way think that witchcraft is demonic for it is fictional after all isn't it? This is stupid. End of story.
Posted May 12, 2006 at 6:46 PM EST
Squib
Points: 174
~*~HaRrY pOtTeR cHiCk~*~ says:
If they got rid of them it would have been one of the most stupidest things ever. Its good that the school decided to keep them.
~Katherine~
Posted May 12, 2006 at 6:51 PM EST
Student
Points: 226
Yanela says:
I'm glad that they failed with that. I think is stupid how someone argues about the books being evil when they havent even read them.
Posted May 12, 2006 at 7:02 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1361
wannabhermione says:
As unbelievable as it may seem, there are a Lot of people who believe the same way as Laura whatever her name is. My own sister thinks the books promote devil worship. But again, she hasn't read the books either. People who don't bother to read the books, shouldn't judge them or try to tell other people what they can or can't read. That is censorship, plain and simple.
Posted May 12, 2006 at 7:13 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1585
BB_Sectumsempra says:
That is simply dumb and unfair. She did not even read the books. So many kids start reading because of HP and she wanted to remove them... never.
Posted May 12, 2006 at 7:15 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1161
princess165 says:
I'm so glad that the Gwinnett County School Board had some sense in them. It still shocks me that some people work so hard to get rid of Harry Potter. Besides the fact that if Mallory had actually read the books, she would have realized her accusations were unfounded, the Harry Potter series has changed of generation of children to spend their time reading rather than always playing video games. Harry Potter will continue to encourage and help children for years to come.
I like the fact that the school board was really fair -this way nobody could accuse them of sticking up for HP because of its popularity!
Posted May 12, 2006 at 7:19 PM EST
Witch
Points: 566
lupinsgal24 says:
If she doesn't like the books ( although since she hasn't read them...)then she shouldn't let her kids read them. That is a form of child abuse, isn't it?
Posted May 12, 2006 at 7:21 PM EST
Sirius's Veil Thrower
Points: 4655
SiriusBlacksGodDaughter says:
YEAH! Why would you want to take them out anyways? There so amazing! Obscene? Wow!
~Drish~
Posted May 12, 2006 at 7:30 PM EST
Hogwarts Valedictorian
Points: 2807
Lily*R/Hr says:
Yes, justice does exist! ; ) I don't understand how someone who hasn't even read the books can have such a stong opinion about them...?
Posted May 12, 2006 at 7:32 PM EST
Wizard
Points: 711
Crookshanks the Auror says:
And Justice Prevails!!
Why do people who haven't even read the series try to knock it down just because maybe they are jealous of how much attention their kids are giving it and not them....
Hmmmmm.......
Posted May 12, 2006 at 7:40 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 485
ladybythebay says:
Thank God ignorance did not prevail !!!
Posted May 12, 2006 at 7:42 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1600
jenn007a says:
Im glad that they decided to keep the books! It really is pretty stupid that they wanted to ban them. They are exciting and fun, just because there is magic in them doesnt mean that kids are satan worshipers if they like them.
Posted May 12, 2006 at 7:54 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 48
prettykitty_89 says:
Thats the stupitest thing I have ever herd, I mean why would they want to bam the book form the school just cause some people hate the book but millions more love the book
Posted May 12, 2006 at 7:56 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 409
BritishNinnies says:
Wow. That is...well, just plain stupid. Thank goodness they allowed it!
I am so fed up with people who insist Harry Potter is evil
and demonic. Though I love the books to death, when it really comes down to it - IT'S JUST A (really amazing) BOOK!
Lady, next time you want to make half the world angry, read the book first.
Posted May 12, 2006 at 8:02 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2351
Skitch says:
I thought all the talk of the books being witchcraft friendly was stamped out years ago. Like back when the firt movie came out. I can't believe some people still haven't gotten with the program.
Posted May 12, 2006 at 8:07 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 350
Puffskein16 says:
Two points to be made...
a. It is a book. Can't people read for enjoyment?
b.How can one judge a book, if one has not read it?
Posted May 12, 2006 at 8:08 PM EST
Squib
Points: 176
Andosia Fair says:
I've been lightly following this and I must say I'm certainly relieved.
It's a shame when any book, fact or fiction, is banned. Banning books is nothing but a form of silencing another person, and every person has the right to be heard. Individuals should never be deprived of making their own choice to agree or disagree with the information they take in.
Posted May 12, 2006 at 8:13 PM EST
The Warrior Sorceress
Points: 3333
Devilish Katlyn says:
Well, AMEN! I can't believe this woman tried this with a book as wholesome as HP. It's like trying to slam Mr. Rogers for wearing cardigans!
Posted May 12, 2006 at 8:16 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 393
Polyjuice209 says:
OH my goodness, Im glad they are keeping the books!! How sad, some people just dont know when to stop critisizing for the wrong reasons.
Posted May 12, 2006 at 8:21 PM EST
Half-Blooded Fooch
Points: 2447
fooch48 says:
At least SOMEONE still has some sense! Censorship of books is rediculous!
Posted May 12, 2006 at 8:32 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1248
Ivay says:
You sad person..Laura Mallory...Why argue something when you know nothing about it?? The books don't teach witchcraft..sad SAD SAD!! This really prooves that people these days don't hvae anything better to do with their lives...
Posted May 12, 2006 at 8:49 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1370
hellothere says:
I am glad the school board had some sense and didn't ban Harry Potter! That would of been so stupid if they did!
Posted May 12, 2006 at 8:51 PM EST
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