Sen. Bill Holtzclaw, R-Madison, Wednesday asked Alabama Superintendent Tommy Bice to exercise his discretion and remove a controversial book from the State Common Core Standards approved reading list.

Sen. Holtzclaw wrote:

It has been brought to my attention that the State Common Core Standards approved reading list includes a book entitled “The Bluest Eye.” I have reviewed excerpts of this book and find the book highly objectionable. I see no value or purpose in this book, educational or otherwise.

I request that you, along with the State Board of Education – using your full control over establishing Alabama’s curriculum standards and content – ensure this book is not included in any reading list adopted by the State of Alabama for any grade level.

“The Bluest Eye” is a novel written in 1970 by Toni Morrison. The book contains references to racism, incest and child molestation. The story is about a young black girl raised in Ohio, who worries about her skin and eye color during the years after the Great Depression.

“Alabama needs to have high educational standards that are best for Alabama children. My request of Dr. Bice is an example of the state’s ability to direct and control its own curriculum without out-of-state influence,” Holtzclaw said in a statement. “I look forward to Dr. Bice handling this in an expedient manner so that our school children are not exposed to the questionable content of The Bluest Eye.”

Bill Holtzclaw was elected in 2010 to the Alabama Senate, District 2, representing parts of Limestone and Madison Counties. He is Chairman of the Senate Veterans & Military Affairs committee and Chairman of the Joint Legislative Committee for Contract Review. He recently announced his intention to seek a second term.

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