The Alberta government has temporarily halted its directive to remove books containing explicit sexual content from libraries. Premier Danielle Smith announced that the pause will be brief, as new guidelines are being developed. The revised order will specify the removal of books with pornographic images while preserving classic literature in school libraries. The premier emphasized the need for clarity and stated that school boards can anticipate the issuance of a new ministerial order in the near future.
Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides informed school boards via email that the implementation of Ministerial Order (#30/2025) has been suspended until further notice. The email instructed schools to stop removing materials depicting explicit sexual content from their libraries and to halt the creation of lists of library materials. The reason for the pause was not disclosed, with more details promised to be provided soon.
Premier Smith reiterated the government’s policy intentions, emphasizing the removal of graphic pornographic images from school libraries while preserving classic works. She underscored the distinction between the two types of content and urged swift implementation for the benefit of students. The controversy arose following the leaked list of over 200 books slated for removal by Edmonton Public Schools, including renowned titles like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Brave New World.”
The government’s new policy on age-appropriate library materials is scheduled to take effect on October 1. Minister Nicolaides clarified that the objective is not to ban books but to establish guidelines for suitable content in school libraries. The ministerial order prohibits books with explicit sexual content for all students, with exceptions for non-explicit material for Grade 10 and above. The rules mandate schools to develop clear procedures by the new year for implementing the directive.
Various stakeholders, including advocacy groups and educators, have expressed divergent views on the government’s book policy. While some supported the government’s initiative, others criticized the broad scope of the order and its impact on literary selections in school libraries. The debate surrounding the policy has drawn national attention, with calls for a more collaborative approach involving educators in the decision-making process.
In response to the developments, Alberta’s Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi questioned the government’s priorities, suggesting a focus on classroom issues rather than book lists. He criticized Premier Smith for not acknowledging potential misunderstandings in the ministerial order and called for a more transparent and responsive approach to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders.
