After the book was removed quietly from the school library, a Virginia mother who spoke out publicly against the inclusion in Fairfax County Public Schools of a “adult-themed”, LGBTQ graphic novel has declared “victory”.
In emails obtained Fox News Digital, FCPS informed Stacy Langton, a mother-of-six, that “Queer: A Graphic History”, by Meg John Barker, was removed from the library “due outdated terminology which is no longer used by the LGBTQ+ Community.”
Langton was informed by the school system in June 2023 that the book had been retired from the majority of its schools after she expressed her concern during school board meetings. Langton learned of the decision only in October 2024, after a correspondence with FCPS. She was surprised that this information had not been passed to her or other parents.
It’s inappropriate for minors. It’s a book with adult themes. It should not be in any school libraries. They didn’t want to tell me that they removed it because I’m going to win, you know? Let’s just call it what it really is. Langton, who described the debate over age-appropriate literature as a political football on Fox News Digital said: “It’s a win.”
Noel Klimenko (FCPS Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Services) emailed Langton to let her know that the comments she made at the school board meeting likely led librarians in the FCPS to request the book be reviewed.
As a nonfiction work on a topic that is constantly changing, it’s important to have current information in the book. These decisions are the responsibility of the librarian. “I did not order any school to remove this book,” she said.
Klimenko stated that other books in the library’s collection provide more accurate and up-to date information about LGBTQ sources. These were “superior” sources of information.
She revealed that this book was retired as part of a process called weeding. This is a common practice among librarians to remove unwanted items from their collections in order to keep them current, relevant and attractive.
Stacy Langton believes “Queer: a Graphic History” shouldn’t have been taught in Fairfax Schools. (Stacy Langton/IconBooks)
Klimenko pushed back when Langton took a picture of a book at Fairfax High School, suggesting its presence was a part of an exhibit created by the Gay Student Alliance to promote LGBTQ History Month.
She added, “This text forms part of a large display that is locked in a cabinet, which our clubs can sign up for to promote awareness, activities and inclusion.”
Langton first brought the book to the notice of school board members in May 2023 when she printed one of the most shocking images of the graphic novel – a man and woman naked, engaging in a position of sexual intimacy where the gender roles have been reversed.
Stacy Langton poses in a portrait on Monday, March 28, 2022 at her Fairfax home. She is working to have two books banned from Fairfax County Schools. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post through Getty Images).
Langton said to Fox News Digital that there are many images – probably half a dozen – of sex act depictions which are rated X. “I printed the worst image onto a poster and showed it in the meeting. I showed it on the board. As I looked at them, I thought their eyes were wide open. They were probably shocked by the content of this particular material. It was very bad.”
Barker’s Publisher did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Langton says she will continue her fight to remove other adult-themed texts, including “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe from Fairfax schools.
According to reports, “Gender Queer,” has been banned from more libraries than any other title. Maia Kobabe has described the sexually explicit pictures in her book as “tame.”
Kobabe said to “Morning Edition” that the book was “a lot less explicit.”
