The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today reports that Georgia's State Board of Education is considering a draft opinion from a hearing officer rejecting a parent's complaint over Harry Potter books in a Gwinnett County school libraries. Laura Mallory had argued the Harry Potter books promote witchcraft and the Wicca religion. At the state appeal hearing on her request, Mallory argued that the books encourage children to perform spells and feature characters who lie, cheat and steal and are not punished. The hearing officer's opinion says that Mallory failed to show that the Gwinnett County school board broke any laws or abused its discretion in refusing to ban the books. Mallory's evidence, the opinion says, consisted of unverified hearsay that she obtained from the Internet. Mallory may appeal to Gwinnett County Superior Court if the hearing officer's decision is accepted by the Board. (See prior related posting.)
UPDATE: On Thursday, the State Board of Education, without discussion, voted to accept the hearing officer's recommendation. Laura Mallory is considering whether to file an appeal. (AP).
