Catholic board bans ‘Golden Compass’ indefinitely

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Are they also going to ban the bible? That’d be swell.

Catholic board bans ‘Golden Compass’ indefinitely

“The Golden Compass” and two other books in the “His Dark Materials” trilogy have been banned indefinitely by the Halton Catholic District School Board despite a committee’s recommendation that the titles remain on library shelves.

Board chair Alice Anne LeMay told CTV.ca that the committee found the books suitable for students in Grades 7 and up, but the majority of board members voted against the committee’s report Tuesday night.

The book, written by popular British author and avowed atheist Philip Pullman, has won numerous awards, including the Maine Student Book Award and the American Library Association’s Best Books for Young Adults award.

“Philip Pullman’s trilogy of atheistic ideology, carefully couched within the realm of fantasy for young readers, is in direct opposition to the mission statement and governing values of our board,” the board’s decision reads.

The trio of books was removed from library shelves last November after receiving a request for review from a member of the community. All three titles were available to students upon request.

The board set up a committee, made up of teacher, principals, trustees and consultants, to review the book and recommend whether it should be available to students.

LeMay said this is the first time a book has been banned from school libraries within the board. The three titles will not be made available to students upon request and will be “stored at the central board office for the time being.”