A New Hampshire father was outraged over what he called his 9th grade daughter's "pornographic" homework assignment, but police say his reaction went too far.
This is William Baer being taken out of a school board meeting in handcuffs. That's after he voiced his concerns about his daughter's assignment to read Jodi Picoult's novel "Nineteen Minutes." (Via WTSP)
"I have a little problem with the book." (Via Fox News)
According to parents, it's full of sexual content unacceptable for high school freshmen to be reading.
The book is about a student who is bullied and then goes on a shooting rampage. In one part, there's a very graphic sex scene.
It reads, "He sank his teeth into her shoulder. He pinned her hands over her head and ground his hips against hers. She could feel his erection, hot against her stomach." (Via Jodi Picoult / "Nineteen Minutes")
“It reads like a transcript for a triple X porno movie. We had no notice of it whatsoever, no written notice, no verbal, nothing.” (Via WBZ)
So Baer and a few other parents voiced their opinions at the Gilford High School's school board meeting, saying they should've been informed that their kids were reading the book. And when Baer went over his allotted two minutes to speak, police arrested him.
BAER: "What are you charging me with, what are you charging me with?"
POLICE: "You're under arrest for disorderly conduct."
BAER: "Disorderly conduct?"
POLICE: "Because you broke the 2-minute law." (Via Fox News)
Now, the school district will be taking action. According to a statement from the school board, it plans to include a notification that requires parents to accept controversial material rather than opt out. (Via Gilford School District)
Author Jodi Picoult says she's glad this incident started a debate, but she doesn't think there should be this much fuss over her book.
She tells the New Hampshire Union-Leader all three of her kids read the book in high school. Picoult said the goal is to teach people about tolerance, bullying and gun violence.
“The fact that people are reacting to the book means it's striking home. When you push someone on these issues, that's when change occurs.”
As for Baer, CBS reports if he is convicted of disorderly conduct he could face a fine up to $1,200.
