Temecula allows novel about rape

A novel that had raised concerns because its teen protagonist deals with the aftermath of rape will be added to the core literature list for Temecula’s high schools, trustees decided.

But school board members also decided to review later this year parents’ ability to opt out of lessons and readings that deal with sensitive subjects.

The Temecula Valley Unified School District board voted 4 to 1 on Tuesday to add “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson to the list of books that may be taught in high school English classes.

Trustee Kristi Rutz-Robbins cast the opposing vote, saying she feared that the book would become mandatory reading and that rape victims and others would be forced to read it.

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