School board to make decision about Harry Potter books

<p>The Gwinnett County Board of Education is expected to make a decision this week on whether "Harry Potter" books should remain on public school shelves.</p><p>An evangelical Christian who has three children at J-C Magill Elementary School -- Laura Mallory -- has objected to the books. She says in complaint forms she objects to what she calls the books -- quote -- "evil themes, witchcraft, demonic activity, murder, evil blood sacrifice, spells and teaching children all of this."</p><p>The school board is expected to decide whether to ban the books or keep them in school libraries at its monthly board meeting tomorrow night.</p><p>Supporters and opponents of the book series attended a public hearing April 20th to voice their opinions.</p><p>This is the latest book appeal in the Gwinnett County system. The last came in 1997 when the board was asked to remove "Ghost Camp" by R-L Stein (styne) and "It's Not the End of the World" by Judy Blume.</p><p>Committees recommended the board take no action -- allowing the books to stay on the shelves. The school board upheld both those decisions.</p><p>The board meets at 7 p.m. at the Gwinnett County Public Schools Instructional Support Center in Suwanee.</p>

http://accesswdun.com/article/2006/5/124490