Alberta’s government has made new rules about books in schools. The rules say that books with explicit images of sexual acts are not allowed in school libraries. However, books that describe sexual acts with words are still allowed. These new rules come after a school board made a long list of more than 200 books to remove, which included popular and classic books. The change aims to keep students safe from harmful material while still allowing access to important literature.
Let’s take a closer look at what happened, why the rules were changed, and what it means for students, teachers, and parents.
In July 2024, Alberta’s Education Minister, Demetrios Nicolaides, issued an order that asked school employees to remove books with any sexual content. This included both pictures and written passages about sexual acts. As a result, the Edmonton Public School Board made a list of 226 books to remove from classrooms and libraries.
Some of the books on the list were well-known, like:
The Handmaid’s Tale
The Color Purple
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
The Godfather
Jaws
People were upset and confused by this list. Many teachers, parents, and authors felt it was too strict. They worried that this would stop students from reading books that are important for learning about life, history, and culture.
Because of this reaction, Minister Nicolaides decided to review and change the rules. He said the main goal is to protect students from explicit images, not to stop them from reading books with mature topics.
The updated ministerial order makes it clear that visual or graphic images of sexual acts are banned. But written descriptions are still allowed.
The order explains that visual depictions include:
Drawings or paintings
Illustrations
Photographs
Digital images
Video files
If a book shows the human body for educational reasons, like an anatomy book, it is not banned.
The new rules also say that schools should still give students access to classic literature, even if it contains sensitive topics. This ensures that books important for education are not unnecessarily removed.
The first order banned both pictures and written passages about sexual acts. The new order only bans graphic pictures, not written descriptions.
The new order also removes rules that treated students differently by age. Earlier, only older students were allowed to access some types of content. Now, the rules apply equally to everyone.
Furthermore, schools do not have to create long lists of books in their classrooms but must still let parents know what books are available. Teachers can share pictures of their bookshelves or invite families to view them instead of listing every title.
Some groups, like Parents for Choice in Education, supported stricter rules but are not fully satisfied with the new changes. Their executive director, John Hilton-O'Brien, says some books might still invite students to imagine harmful activities, even if they are written and not shown in pictures.
On the other hand, critics argue that these rules cause confusion and unfairly target books that represent diverse communities. Glynnis Lieb, from the Fyrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity, worries that removing books with sexual content might harm students from 2SLGBTQ+ communities by sending a message that they are abnormal.
NDP education critic Amanda Chapman said that changing the rules means schools have to repeat their work, which wastes time and resources. She also warned that governments should be careful when interfering in what children read.
Many people believe that banning books based on sexual content is a form of censorship. Teachers, librarians, and authors worry that students will lose access to books that help them understand important issues.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said that the school board had followed the rules too strictly and blamed them for overreacting.
Some teachers even shared photos of empty bookshelves online, saying they didn’t have time to sort through all the books at the beginning of the school year.
Even with the new rules, schools must follow certain steps:
They must give parents a way to see what books are in classroom libraries. Teachers don’t have to make a full list but can share photos or let parents browse the shelves.
By January 5, 2026, all schools must follow the new rules.
By October 2024, schools must send a list of books they plan to remove to the education office. This is so the government can provide guidance but will not make the list public.
Schools must also create policies that allow students, parents, and staff to review books if they have concerns.
The new rules aim to balance safety and education. They focus on removing graphic images while still allowing students to explore topics that are part of life and history.
It’s important that students have access to books that teach them about society, relationships, and difficult issues. At the same time, schools have a responsibility to ensure that students are not exposed to harmful content that could affect their well-being.
The Edmonton Public School Board says it will revise its book list to follow the new rules. They want to work with families and the government to make libraries a helpful space for students.
Education experts believe that the conversation around books, safety, and mental health must continue. It’s a reminder that schools are places for learning—not just from textbooks but from the stories and experiences that books offer.
As this issue unfolds, parents, teachers, and policymakers must work together to create safe, inclusive, and educational spaces for children.
Alberta’s new school book rules are a compromise between protecting students and allowing them to access important literature. The focus is on stopping graphic images of sexual acts while allowing discussions about life and relationships through written content.
The debate shows how difficult it can be to create policies that protect students without limiting their education. With thoughtful rules and community support, schools can provide safe and enriching environments where students can learn and grow.
Let’s hope that this balanced approach helps schools offer both care and knowledge in equal measure. The conversation about books is more than a debate—it’s about how we raise and educate future generations.
UAE and Yemen attorney generals met in Abu Dhabi to strengthen legal ties, enhance public prosecutio
UAE and African Union held first political talks in Abu Dhabi, focusing on peace, investment, health
Phil Salt smashed 141* as England posted 304/2, a T20 record, to crush South Africa by 146 runs at O
Demon Slayer Infinity Castle delivers breathtaking fights and visuals, but its long runtime and too
