An illustrated anatomy book is among the 73 titles that the Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District will remove from school shelves to comply with a new state law.
It's the first time the book, "The Way We Work: Getting to Know the Amazing Human Body" by David Macaulay, has appeared on a list of titles removed from Iowa schools, according to a Des Moines Register database that so far has gathered the books removed from 38 of 325 districts in Iowa.
The district says it has removed it and other books on its list ahead of the Jan. 1, 2024, deadline when Iowa schools and teachers would face penalties for having books with descriptions or depictions of sex acts under Senate File 496.
Macaulay's 2008 drawn illustrated book on human anatomy is reviewed by Amazon.com as a "comprehensive and entertaining resource" that Macaulay researched for years by sitting in on anatomy classes and dissections, and observing surgeries.
The retailer added, "Each beautifully illustrated spread details different aspects of our complex structure, explaining the function of each and offering up-close glimpses, unique cross-sections and perspectives, and even a little humor along the way. This one-of-a-kind book can serve as a reference for children, families, teachers, and anyone who has questions about how his or her body works."
The 336-page book explores things like cells, DNA and the skeletal and immune systems. Its index lists one page on sex, and includes references to "ejaculation," "erection," "penis," "semen," "sperm - during ejaculation" and "vagina."
The definition of a sex act in SF 496 includes "penetration of the penis into the vagina or anus" and "ejaculation onto another person." However, as written, school books with nonsexual nudity, or sexual scenes that fall short of these actions would still be allowed. The bill also creates two exemptions: descriptions of sex acts will be allowed in human growth and development materials and in religious publications, including the Bible.
The Dallas Center-Grimes district did not immediately respond to request for comment on why the book had been removed.
It's the first time the book, "The Way We Work: Getting to Know the Amazing Human Body" by David Macaulay, has appeared on a list of titles removed from Iowa schools, according to a Des Moines Register database that so far has gathered the books removed from 38 of 325 districts in Iowa.
The district says it has removed it and other books on its list ahead of the Jan. 1, 2024, deadline when Iowa schools and teachers would face penalties for having books with descriptions or depictions of sex acts under Senate File 496.
Macaulay's 2008 drawn illustrated book on human anatomy is reviewed by Amazon.com as a "comprehensive and entertaining resource" that Macaulay researched for years by sitting in on anatomy classes and dissections, and observing surgeries.
The retailer added, "Each beautifully illustrated spread details different aspects of our complex structure, explaining the function of each and offering up-close glimpses, unique cross-sections and perspectives, and even a little humor along the way. This one-of-a-kind book can serve as a reference for children, families, teachers, and anyone who has questions about how his or her body works."
The 336-page book explores things like cells, DNA and the skeletal and immune systems. Its index lists one page on sex, and includes references to "ejaculation," "erection," "penis," "semen," "sperm - during ejaculation" and "vagina."
The definition of a sex act in SF 496 includes "penetration of the penis into the vagina or anus" and "ejaculation onto another person." However, as written, school books with nonsexual nudity, or sexual scenes that fall short of these actions would still be allowed. The bill also creates two exemptions: descriptions of sex acts will be allowed in human growth and development materials and in religious publications, including the Bible.
The Dallas Center-Grimes district did not immediately respond to request for comment on why the book had been removed.
Illustrated anatomy book among 73 removed by Iowa school district to comply with law
An illustrated anatomy book has made its way on a list of banned books. See what else Dallas Center-Grimes is removing from school shelves:
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