Nation's largest teachers union recommends educators read controversial book banned in schools

WASHINGTON (TND) — The National Education Association, the nation's largest teachers union is recommending that educators read "Gender Queer," a book that has been removed from some schools across the country due to its sexually explicit contents.

Parents Defending Education Director of Outreach Erica Sanzi joined The National Desk’s Scott Thuman to break it down.

“I think the reason it’s controversial is because people are just sort of feeling like the unions keep sort of poking parents in the eye,” she said. “But part of me thinks in some ways this was is a good thing because most educators if they open that book, are going to see that it is not appropriate for a school setting.”

"Gender Queer" has been taken off shelves in some places over concerns that it is not appropriate for children but now it's being recommended to educators instead.

The book has been challenged by teachers and school officials and is now the most banned book in the U.S., according to PEN America.

“Now the reason that they're doing this is because of this banned book debate. I understand parents are just feeling like ‘can we just focus on something else? Why is this on your recommended summer reading list for your members?’ But I don't really know any teachers that think that their book is appropriate for school,” Sanzi said. “So my suspicion is if members actually do decide to follow their advice, they're going to say, yep, this isn't appropriate for schools. If you want it, go buy it at the bookstore, the town library.”